North Sea Port and HZ University of Applied Sciences are collaborating in the field of asset management and data science. A long-term cooperation agreement was signed for this purpose in 2021.
The cross-border port is already working on asset management. The port authority in Zeeland and Flanders ensures that the port infrastructure and its operating assets, such as roads, quays and installations, are managed optimally. This is only possible if you know how to connect the technical, business and financial aspects.
The Asset Management and Data Science research groups at HZ University of Applied Sciences will support the port authority in this. For example, the employees involved at North Sea Port will receive workshops from HZ researchers. Conversely, experts from North Sea Port will give guest lectures at the university, and students will be able to go on excursions to the port and do internships or graduate projects there.
The collaboration also focuses on practice-oriented research. North Sea Port and HZ will determine in consultation which topics will be researched. In addition to asset management and data science, the research may also cover organisational development and circular construction.
Win-win situation
HZ Chairman John Dane sees the collaboration as a win-win situation. ‘The developments and complexity of asset management and data science require collaboration between people in the field and researchers for the development of knowledge, innovation and application. It is great that we can collaborate in this area with such an important player in our region.’
Peter Van Parys, COO of North Sea Port, is also enthusiastic. ‘North Sea Port is a cross-border port and collaborates with knowledge institutions from both countries, including HZ. We are happy to introduce students to our port infrastructure and its management. This gives students an inside view of how a port develops and allows them to see various jobs in the port area up close. Conversely, the port authority gains new insights from these future employees.’
