Portchain
Portchain provides AI-powered SaaS for berth alignment and planning to container terminals and shipping lines. Its Portchain Connect and Portchain Quay platforms serve 180+ terminals representing 40%+ of global container terminal capacity across six continents.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersCopenhagen, Denmark
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Portchain does
Portchain is a Copenhagen-based SaaS provider founded in 2017 that builds AI-powered software for the container shipping industry, with a focus on the operational interface between container terminals and ocean carriers. The company serves two co-dependent customer groups — container terminal operators and shipping lines (mainliners and feeders) — that historically coordinate vessel calls via spreadsheets, email, and phone. Its platform replaces these manual workflows with real-time digital handshakes and predictive scheduling, addressing what the company identifies as a structural efficiency gap driven by unreliable berth planning, vessel waiting time, and excess fuel consumption.
The product portfolio comprises two complementary SaaS offerings. Portchain Connect is a berth alignment platform launched in 2022 that enables terminals and shipping lines to exchange real-time ETA/ETD updates, move counts, and schedule changes via direct integrations with Terminal Operating Systems (TOS) and carrier systems through APIs or EDI file parsing. Portchain Quay is a berth planning tool that applies a proprietary Berth Optimization Engine using mathematical optimization and machine learning to automate crane and gang allocation and run scenario-based plans. Together, the products support Just-In-Time vessel arrivals, with the company claiming average fuel savings of 2-4% (up to 14% when carriers and terminals align 24+ hours ahead) and 800,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions prevented since 2022.
Portchain operates an enterprise SaaS business model with quote-based annual subscriptions, API-first deployment, and 4-8 week implementation cycles supported by dedicated customer success. As of mid-2025, the Portchain Network included 180+ container terminals representing more than 40% of global container terminal capacity, with named customers including Hapag-Lloyd (under a 5-year agreement), Ocean Network Express, DP World (multiple terminals), APM Terminals, Port Houston, South Carolina Ports, and Pusan Newport Company. The company has raised over $14 million from investors led by Angular Ventures, and is led by three co-founders who are former McKinsey shipping practice consultants.
Portchain firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Portchain
- Legal name
- Portchain ApS
- Website
- https://portchain.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Portchain provides AI-powered SaaS for berth alignment and planning to container terminals and shipping lines. Its Portchain Connect and Portchain Quay platforms serve 180+ terminals representing 40%+ of global container terminal capacity across six continents.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Portchain industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Maritime Logistics Software
- NAICS
- Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883)
- SIC
- Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731), Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Port Community Systems (PCS) Platforms (TLAHAOAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) / Port Call Optimization & Berth Scheduling Systems (TLAHAOAD), Terminal Operating Systems (TOS) & Yard/Gate Digitization (TLAHAOAC), Sustainability & Environmental Compliance Digital Solutions (Emissions, MRV, Waste, Noise) (TLAHAOAN)
Keywords
Where Portchain is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Copenhagen
- HQ country
- Denmark
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Portchain business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Portchain Connect (Subscription): SaaS subscription model for berth alignment platform for terminals and shipping lines. Provides real-time schedule sharing, digital handshakes, and data exchange capabilities. Terminals and carriers connect to the network for schedule alignment.
- Portchain Quay (Subscription): SaaS subscription for berth planning tool for terminals and ports. Provides scenario-based planning, resource optimization, and stakeholder collaboration capabilities. Typically deployed in 4-6 weeks with ongoing support.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Enterprise subscription for container terminals and ports |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels8 records
Portchain product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Portchain provides cloud-based SaaS software for the global container shipping industry, delivering berth alignment and berth planning solutions that digitize coordination between container terminals and shipping lines. Its Portchain Connect product enables real-time digital handshakes on vessel ETAs and ETDs with move count tracking, while Portchain Quay delivers scenario-based berth planning, automated crane and gang allocation, predictive analytics, and AI-powered optimization for quayside operations. The platform is sold as subscription software to enterprise terminal operators and carriers, with direct integrations to Terminal Operating Systems (TOS) and carrier systems via APIs and EDI.
Product overview
Portchain offers two core SaaS products: Portchain Connect (berth alignment platform) and Portchain Quay (berth planning tool). Portchain Connect serves as the network layer enabling real-time data exchange and digital handshakes between terminals and shipping lines, while Portchain Quay provides the operational planning layer for terminal berth optimization. Together they form an integrated platform supporting Just-In-Time vessel operations, with Connect facilitating schedule alignment across the network and Quay enabling detailed quayside resource planning and scenario optimization.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Portchain Connect: Berth alignment platform for terminals and shipping lines that streamlines schedule and berth planning through digital handshakes on the berthing window.
- Portchain Quay
Products and services
- Portchain Connect Berth alignment platform for terminals and shipping lines that streamlines berth alignment through digital handshakes on vessel ETAs and ETDs. It enables real-time schedule and move count updates directly from carrier systems, allowing terminals to respond and counter-propose quickly to align vessel schedules with terminal berth plans. Includes integrations with Terminal Operating Systems (TOS) via APIs and EDI file parsing, configurable sharing controls, audit trails, and read-only access for agents and port authorities. Sold as a cloud-based SaaS subscription to enterprise container terminals and shipping lines.
- Portchain Quay Berth planning tool for terminals and ports that optimizes quayside operations through scenario-enabled berth planning, automated crane and gang allocation, and real-time data sharing. Provides comprehensive planning information including crane and labor resources, maintenance schedules, and proforma planning, and uses an AI-powered Berth Optimization Engine (BOE) to assist planners in finding optimal plans. Includes TOS integration, automatic port call detection, predictive analytics, and Export APIs. Sold as a cloud-based SaaS subscription to enterprise container terminals.
Quantifiable outcome
- 800,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions prevented since 2022 launch
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Portchain
Customer profileNamed customers20 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Portchain technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
AI capability4 records
Feature7 records
Portchain partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
31 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Copenhagen Malmö PortcoreScandinavian logistics hub joining Portchain Connect Network to improve berth planning and coordination with shipping lines. Platform provides real-time schedule and move count updates directly from carrier systems.
- DP World PosorjacoreDP World terminal in Ecuador adopted Portchain for port management technology and berth alignment digitization.
- CICE VeracruzcoreMexican terminal operator joined Portchain Connect network to digitize berth alignment processes with shipping lines. Port of Veracruz handled 32.9M tonnes and 1.3M TEU in 2024 (+12.3% YoY).
- Klaipeda Container TerminalcoreLithuanian terminal joined Portchain Connect for berth planning and coordination with shipping lines. Handles up to 8.5M tonnes annually and serves 1,200+ vessels.
- Pusan Newport Company (PNC)coreKorean terminal operator adopted Portchain Connect to enhance data sharing with carriers and optimize berth scheduling with unified view of vessel calls.
- UnifeedercoreDynamic logistics company (part of DP World) partnered with Portchain for more efficient berthing operations. Operates 120+ vessels handling 5M+ TEU annually.
- APM Terminals Barcelona & ValenciacoreAPM Terminals integrated with Portchain Connect to enhance coordination and efficiency, reduce manual communication, and achieve fuel savings and emission reductions.
- TCEEGE AliagacoreTurkish container terminal operator joined Portchain Connect network for berth alignment with shipping lines. Pioneer terminal operator in Nemrut Bay, Aliaga.
- Montreal Gateway TerminalscoreCanadian port terminal joined Portchain Connect network for real-time schedule updates from carrier systems. Digitization improved scheduling speed and accuracy.
- Port HoustoncoreMajor US port joined Portchain Connect Network for berth scheduling and operational efficiency through real-time data exchange. Recently completed Wharf 6 at Bayport Container Terminal with $80M USDOT investment.
- Kumport Terminal IstanbulcoreThird-largest container terminal in Turkey joined Portchain Connect Network to enhance berth planning efficiency through automated digital data exchange with shipping carriers.
- Hapag-Lloydcore5-year agreement to deploy Portchain Connect across terminal network. 5th largest container shipping company with 12M TEU volume transported and 280 vessels.
- Ocean Network Expresscore6th largest fleet globally (232 vessels) partnered with Portchain for operational excellence and sustainable shipping through optimized vessel scheduling and enhanced terminal collaboration.
- Tanger AlliancecoreMoroccan greenfield terminal (operational since Jan 2021) deployed Portchain Berth Optimization Engine. Partnership of Marsa Maroc, Eurogate, Contship Italia, and Hapag-Lloyd. Capacity 1.5M TEU.
- South Carolina PortscoreTop 10 US container port deployed Portchain Quay across 3 terminals (Hugh K. Leatherman, North Charleston, Wando Welch). Connected 700+ users from 36 companies to real-time berth planning.
- Penang PortcoreMalaysia's oldest port deployed Portchain at North Butterworth Container Terminal for berth planning optimization. Member of MMC Group.
- London Container TerminalcoreUK terminal (Part of Tilbury Douglas) digitalized berth planning with Portchain Quay to improve customer alignment and operations.
- EUROGATE Container Terminal WilhelmshavencoreGermany's only deep-water container terminal joined Portchain Connect for data collaboration. Capacity 2.7M TEU.
- EVYAPPORTcoreFirst Turkish container terminal to join Portchain Connect Network. Capacity 855k TEU, located in Izmit Bay. Leading tank terminal in vegetable oil storage.
- DP World SantoscoreBrazil's largest private port terminal on left bank of Port of Santos joined Portchain Connect. R$2.3B investment, capacity 1.3M TEU.
- Ports & Cargo Handling Services LimitedcoreNigeria's port operations arm of SIFAX Group joined Portchain Connect. Leading terminal operator on West African coast.
- DP World AntwerpcoreMajor European hub port joined Portchain Connect network for berth alignment with shipping lines.
- CSP Abu Dhabi TerminalcoreAbu Dhabi terminal joined Portchain Connect network for berth alignment digitization at Hamad Port operations.
- QTerminals (Hamad Port)coreQatar's terminal operator joined Portchain Connect for Hamad Port operations to simplify berth alignment with shipping lines.
- Piraeus Container TerminalcoreGreek terminal completed trial phase and joined Portchain Connect for berth management digitization.
- Shekou Container TerminalscoreChinese terminal joined Portchain Connect to simplify berth alignment process with shipping lines.
- Hanjin Busan Newport CompanycoreKorean terminal implemented Portchain Connect to simplify berth alignment with shipping lines at Busan Newport.
- North Sea Terminal Bremerhaven (NTB)coreOne of Europe's largest transshipment hubs with pilot collaboration on berth optimization. Handles 3M+ TEU annually, 1,087,000 sqm yard, 740 employees.
- JBS TerminaiscoreBrazilian terminal operator joined Portchain Connect Network to bring more clarity and collaboration to berth alignment.
- Damietta Container & Cargo Handling Co.coreEgyptian terminal joined Portchain Connect to simplify berth alignment process with Hapag-Lloyd.
- Antwerp GatewaycoreBelgian terminal joined Portchain Connect to simplify and speed berth alignment process with shipping lines.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Portchain competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- INFORM: German optimization software vendor with maritime/port solutions including berth and yard optimization (Syncrotess). Competes directly with Portchain Quay's Berth Optimization Engine using mathematical optimization.
- Riestra Group: Port community systems provider (PORTNET) serving terminals and shipping lines with EDI-based data exchange and berth scheduling workflows; closest functional comparator to Portchain Connect in the PCS layer.
- TBA Group: Netherlands-based provider of stevedoring and terminal operations software. Overlaps with Portchain on planning, scheduling, and digital documentation for container terminals.
- Kaleris (Navis): Owner of Navis N4, the dominant terminal operating system globally. Directly competes with Portchain by offering berth planning, vessel scheduling, and yard management functionality from an incumbent position inside terminal IT stacks.
- CyberLogitec: Asian-headquartered terminal and container shipping software provider (OPUS Terminal, CY-BOS). Offers berth planning, vessel scheduling, and EDI/API integration competing directly with Portchain's Connect and Quay products.
- Tideworks Technology: Provider of terminal operating systems (Mainsail) used by container terminals worldwide. Overlaps with Portchain Quay on berth planning and resource optimization, and competes for terminal IT budget allocations.
- Prodevelop: Spanish port community systems and maritime digital platform vendor (e-Porto, e-Maritime). Competes with Portchain Connect by offering PCS-style data exchange between terminals and shipping lines.
Broad incumbents
- ABB Marine & Ports: Industrial automation incumbent offering port and terminal optimization solutions as part of a broader marine digital portfolio. Competes indirectly with Portchain by leveraging deeper automation relationships with terminal operators.
- Wärtsilä SmartShip / SmartPort: Marine technology incumbent whose SmartPort initiative overlaps with port optimization and emissions reduction. Broader portfolio (engines, voyage optimization) gives it cross-sell leverage Portchain cannot match.
Emerging players
- Veson Nautical: Maritime operations platform for chartering, voyage management, and vessel ETA prediction. Adjacent competitor to Portchain's Sailing Predictor and Connect on the shipping-line side of the network.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Portchain social profiles
Digital presencePortchain financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Portchain leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
Portchain funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Portchain M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Portchain
What does Portchain do?
Portchain provides cloud-based SaaS software for the global container shipping industry, delivering berth alignment and berth planning solutions that digitize coordination between container terminals and shipping lines. Its Portchain Connect product enables real-time digital handshakes on vessel ETAs and ETDs with move count tracking, while Portchain Quay delivers scenario-based berth planning, automated crane and gang allocation, predictive analytics, and AI-powered optimization for quayside operations. The platform is sold as subscription software to enterprise terminal operators and carriers, with direct integrations to Terminal Operating Systems (TOS) and carrier systems via APIs and EDI.
Is Portchain a public or private company?
Portchain is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Portchain founded?
Portchain was founded in 2017. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Portchain based?
Portchain is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, in the Europe region.
How does Portchain make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Portchain Connect (Subscription) is the primary driver. The others are portchain Quay (Subscription).
Who are Portchain's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are INFORM, Riestra Group, TBA Group, Kaleris (Navis), CyberLogitec, Tideworks Technology and Prodevelop. Broad incumbents are ABB Marine & Ports and Wärtsilä SmartShip / SmartPort. Veson Nautical is listed as an emerging player.
Does Portchain have an API?
Yes. Portchain offers an API for connecting to its network, enabling access to all terminals, mainliners and feeders on Portchain's Network through a single interface with standardized data. The API supports system integrations through APIs or EDI file parsing, providing timely and accurate data updates directly from carrier and terminal partners. Portchain Quay also includes Export APIs as a feature for data export capabilities.
What industry is Portchain in?
Portchain's product category is Maritime Logistics Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAHAOAA, Port Community Systems (PCS) Platforms, with a secondary code of TLAHAOAD, Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) / Port Call Optimization & Berth Scheduling Systems. Its NAICS code is 4883 and its SIC code is 4731.