What is PortControl?
PortControl is Tidalis’s Port Management Information System (PMIS), a modular, web-based platform that connects every stage of a port operation, from the moment a vessel is scheduled to arrive to the moment the invoice is sent. Built on 40 years of port and pilotage management expertise through Klein Systems Group, PortControl is the functional core of port operations for ports ranging from high-volume container terminals to regional mid-market facilities.
PortControl is not a generic enterprise system adapted for ports. It was built from the ground up for harbour masters, port operators, finance teams, and pilots — the people who live in the operational reality of running a port every day.
TRUST
8 of the world’s top 20 container ports use Tidalis: Rotterdam, LA, Shanghai, Antwerp, Abu Dhabi
40 years of port & pilotage management expertise through Klein Systems Group (est. 1985)
200+ deployments across six continents
Mid-market to enterprise: standardised deployments to full custom implementations
Dublin Port Authority: invoice time cut from 8 days to 4 days in month one
Maritime Single Window ready by design
Core capabilities
Full PMIS capabilities – from arrival to invoice
PortControl covers the complete operational and financial lifecycle of a port — from the first vessel scheduling request to the final invoice. Every module is designed to work independently or together, so you start where the business case is strongest and expand as your operation grows.
Vessel scheduling and berth planning
PortControl gives harbour masters and port planners a real-time view of all scheduled vessel arrivals, departures, and berth allocations. The system supports complex multi-berth environments, handles schedule changes dynamically, and gives every stakeholder — from pilots to stevedores to agents — a single shared operational picture.
Pilot dispatch and rest-hour compliance
Pilot planning is one of the most operationally complex and financially consequential processes in port management. PortControl’s integrated pilot dispatch module schedules pilots based on qualifications, certifications, and mandatory rest-hour rules — automatically, without manual oversight. When vessel schedules change (and they always do), the system adjusts pilot assignments instantly without losing control of the wider operational picture.
Port dues, tariff management and invoicing
PortControl handles the full complexity of port billing — conditional discounts, multi-currency tariffs, service-specific billing rules, accounts receivable, and automated invoice generation. Invoices are produced at the press of a button upon service completion, eliminating the days-long reconciliation processes that drain port finance teams. Dublin Port Authority reduced invoice processing time from 8 days to 4 days in their first month of deployment.
Real-time common operating picture
Every team in the port — operations, finance, pilotage, crewing, agents — works from the same live data simultaneously. PortControl’s common operating picture eliminates the information silos that cause scheduling conflicts, billing errors, and service gaps. The interface is fully web-based and accessible on any device, anywhere in the port, without software installation.
Self-service portal for agents and suppliers
PortControl includes a configurable self-service portal that gives shipping agents, stevedores, and suppliers direct access to the data and forms they need — reducing inbound phone calls and emails to the port office while improving accuracy and turnaround times for routine processes.
Just-in-time arrivals and decarbonisation
Combined with MaritimeControl VTS, PortControl enables just-in-time arrival management — optimising vessel routing from anchorage to berth to minimise unnecessary waiting time, fuel consumption, and associated emissions. Research indicates that optimised port visit management can contribute significantly to shipping’s decarbonisation targets. Ports implementing Just-in-Time arrivals through PortControl are already demonstrating measurable emissions reductions.
Who uses PortControl?
PortControl for mid-market ports
The majority of the world’s ports; those handling between 1 and 10 million tonnes annually, have historically lacked access to enterprise-grade port management systems. Either the solutions were too complex and too expensive, or they required extensive customisation that smaller IT teams could not support.
PortControl addresses this gap directly. Tidalis’s standardised reference solution brings enterprise-grade PMIS capability within reach of mid-market ports through a pre-configured deployment that reflects maritime industry best practice, reduces implementation time, and delivers immediate operational value without a big-bang transition. Start with the modules your operation needs most. Add functionality as your requirements grow.
PortControl for enterprise ports
For the world’s highest-volume container ports and complex multi-terminal operations, PortControl provides deep customisation, multi-system integration, and the operational flexibility to manage every stakeholder, resource, and workflow across a large, complex port environment. The same platform that serves Dublin and Townsville also serves Rotterdam and Shanghai with the same architecture, different configuration.
Integration with MaritimeControl VTS
PortControl and MaritimeControl are designed to work together as a unified operational platform. When combined, vessel tracking data from MaritimeControl flows directly into PortControl’s scheduling and billing workflows — creating a single, continuous operational picture from the moment a vessel appears on radar to the moment the port dues invoice is generated.
This integration is unique in the market. No other vendor offers a combined VTS and PMIS from a single, independent software company with this depth of maritime domain expertise.
Maritime Single Window compliance
The IMO’s requirement for Maritime Single Window environments is driving convergence between administrative port systems and operational systems. PortControl is designed for this reality — its open API architecture connects to national Maritime Single Window platforms, customs systems, and third-party data sources, ensuring that ports can meet compliance requirements without replacing existing infrastructure.
PortControl vs other PMIS solutions
The PMIS market includes generic ERP vendors adapted for ports, narrow SaaS tools solving specific point problems, and a small number of purpose-built maritime PMIS platforms. PortControl’s differentiation rests on three factors that generic and newer entrants cannot replicate:
Functional depth in pilot planning and port billing: 40 years of Klein Systems Group specialisation in these areas creates capabilities that generic PMIS vendors treat as secondary features.
Combined VTS and PMIS from one platform: The only independent vendor offering both systems with genuine data integration between them.
Enterprise heritage, mid-market accessibility: Built for Rotterdam and Shanghai, now accessible to ports handling 1M+ tonnes through reference solutions and SaaS commercial models.
Proven deployments
”"Everyone is really happy with how easy this invoicing is compared to the old system. It has been reduced from 8 days to 4 days in the first month."
– Marie Porter, Finance Manager, Dublin Port Company
”"We decided to work with Tidalis because of their track record. They have the best mix of functionality, cost and proven results in the market."
– Captain Allan Gray, President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority
”"Tidalis proved to be an experienced partner – they 'spoke our language', which facilitated efficient issue resolution through clear communications. The successful implementation resulted in a modern and scalable solution that adheres to our IT architecture framework."
– POM Project Team, Port of Melbourne
”"During my previous employment at Flinders Ports, we used Tidalis' Marine Pilot App and when I learnt this pilot-friendly and time-saving tool could easily be incorporated into Townsville's PMIS too, I naturally wanted it for my pilots yesterday."
– Captain Timmy Pavri, Manager Pilotage Services, Port of Townsville
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
01 What is a Port Management Information System (PMIS)?
02 How long does it take to implement a PMIS?
03 Can PortControl integrate with our existing VTS system?
04 Does PortControl support Maritime Single Window compliance?
05 What is the difference between PortControl and PilotControl?
06 Which ports use PortControl?
Let’s talk about your port
Every port starts somewhere different. Share your current setup, your most urgent operational challenges, and the scale of your operation. Our PMIS specialists will show you the fastest route to improvement — without disrupting what’s already working.
