Port of Rotterdam: Booking.com for Container Transport

This teaching case is part of a case series that deals with the introduction of a digital multi-sided platform (MSP) – a digital space that aims at increasing collaboration, data sharing, and visibility among the actors involved in different transport and logistics environments. Each case focuses on different aspects and implications related to this introduction. This particular case takes us back to the Port of Rotterdam, to discuss the introduction of a digital platform, initiated by a start-up to book container transport in its attempt to become the Booking.com of the Port. We read through the reactions of all the different actors involved and the next stage/version of the platform is envisioned. The case also discusses existing barriers towards stakeholder collaboration and data sharing within the port container industry, and especially within the barge container ecosystem.