Baltic Hub and carriers continue discussions on improving gate operations

On 12 May 2026, another working meeting took place between representatives of Baltic Hub and carriers, as well as organisations representing the transport and freight forwarding sectors – both members of trade associations, including PISiL, SPTK and PSPD, and non-members. Discussions focused on current operational challenges related to road transport handling, TVAs availability and further measures to improve the predictability and efficiency of terminal processes.

One of the key topics was the availability of TVAs in the booking system. Baltic Hub announced the planned abolition, effective 1 July 2026, of the Regulations on the allocation of additional bookings on the BHCT-PCL route, and the allocation of additional TVAs for reefer containers and 45-foot containers. In total, availability will increase to 140 TVAs per hour. The changes are to be implemented by the end of the second quarter of 2026, and bookings will be processed exclusively via the VBS system, in accordance with the declaration signed with carriers on 8 January 2026.

A key issue raised during the meeting was the problem of unused bookings (no-shows). According to the data presented, approximately 800–1,000 TVAs remain unused each week, which affects the perceived availability of the terminal. The meeting participants agreed that the problem stems not only from infrastructure constraints, but also from practices involving the booking of ‘spare’ slots and the failure to cancel unused bookings. The carriers undertook to prepare proposals for solutions to limit the scale of the phenomenon by 12 June 2026.

The discussions also covered the issue of overbooking, i.e. reserving more slots than are actually needed. It was noted that this phenomenon is linked to uncertainty regarding slot availability and requires further analysis in the context of the development of the VBS system.

Baltic Hub also presented information on planned operational and infrastructure improvements. During the summer period, the relocation of some of cranes at Terminal T3 is planned, which will increase storage capacity by several thousand TEU. However, the target increase in throughput will only be possible following the delivery of new gantry cranes, scheduled for 2027.

In the area of digitalization, the implementation of alternative methods for confirming drivers’ locations was announced, including GPS, QR codes and manual codes. The solution is intended to increase the system’s resilience to GPS interference and improve driver support. Implementation is scheduled for 20 May 2026, alongside the publication of training materials.

During the meeting, it was also confirmed that Baltic Hub does not plan to introduce terminal access fees. However, the issue of potential fees related to VBS remains open and requires further analysis. At the same time, the terminal emphasized that any future system solutions are intended to improve traffic organization and limit activities that negatively impact TVAs availability.

The meeting participants agreed that further improvements in operational efficiency require both the development of infrastructure and systems, as well as cooperation among all participants in the logistics chain.

Further working meetings are scheduled for June and September 2026.