Job Description
Do you enjoy working on complex logistic problems? Do you like simulation modelling or another type of programming? Do you want things to be efficient and run smoothly? At Portwise we are looking for talented logistic students to research complex problems as part of their master graduation project. We are based in Rijswijk, The Netherlands.
Since the start of the company, Portwise has always stood at the forefront of simulation as a discipline. Within the container terminal industry, we pioneered the integration of simulation into the entire terminal lifecycle from design to operations.
To stay at the forefront of developments in the container handling business and to consolidate our leading position in the field of design and optimisation of (container) terminals, Portwise is constantly working on various R&D initiatives. These initiatives are often supported by students from various universities. We mostly work with students with a background in Operations Research, Engineering or Computer Science, but we are also looking for students that have affinity with simulation and modelling of logistic processes.
What are we looking for?
As an internship student at Portwise, you will be working on an assignment that typically involves improving the operational efficiency of container or bulk terminals in ports. This can be tuning and optimising of existing solutions, or designing new solutions, such as a new type of machine to move cargo, a new storage system, or a new type of transport network. At Portwise, we distinguish ourselves from other consulting firms, by applying extensive automation and operational knowledge with the world’s most accurate simulation tools in this field. During your internship you will use the simulation models to test different solutions, such as behaviour, specs or strategies.
We are searching for other people who like us believe that global logistics can be smarter, more efficient and more sustainable!
Our ideal candidate for this position
- Graduating on an academic master degree in a relevant education i.e. with strong analytical skills, modelling, programming, data science, and logistics.
- We only host internships from Dutch universities.
- Some experience with programming, either in mathematical or simulation software tools, is required.
- Experience with Siemens Plant simulation package would help you to get up to speed quicker.
- Structured and meticulous working approach.
Job description
The research problems that we offer are complex, challenging and rewarding. You will analyse the advanced logistics around container or bulk terminals, or at warehouses. You will search for bottlenecks or inefficient operations, and design and test improvements. You will investigate possible solutions by using our world-renowned simulation models.
Portwise maintains a selection of research ideas of which we together with internship candidates choose relevant and attractive topics for the internships, given the education and interest of the candidate. It is also possible to apply to us with your own idea of a research assignment.
Some examples of study topics are:
- Define alternative routing strategies for automated equipment to improve the productivity.
- Define better priority rules for vehicles or machines driving in the same area.
- Reduce the energy usage on container terminals for a more sustainable operation.
- Optimize the capacity of a bulk conveyor network by smarter routing.
- Reduce waiting times of equipment by smarter and/or dynamic job assignment.
You are expected to perform most of your research in our office in Rijswijk, to enable close contact with your Portwise supervisor and other colleagues that can assist. An internship typically takes 6 to 9 months.
Are you interested in this position?
If this description sparks your interest and you would enjoy working in an innovative, young and dedicated team, please use the form on our website:
https://www.portwiseconsultancy.com/about-portwise/careers/internships/
Portwise / Konecranes
Do you get excited when driving through the Rotterdam harbour between the huge terminals, watching the largest vessels in the world and impressed by some of the most advanced industrial terminals & plants in the world? Would you like to work with some of the biggest industrial automated equipment in the world?
At Konecranes Equipment Control Systems & Services (ECSS), we build the software to automate container handling equipment and we optimise terminal operations for increased efficiency, while at Portwise we solve complex logistic challenges with our proven models and quantitative approach to help our customers with design and investment decisions.
About Portwise
Portwise was founded in 1996 as part of TBA Group and became independent since 2022. We are a world-leading consultancy and simulation firm for logistics in ports, terminals and warehouses. We stand for progress and impact; we work mission-driven and help transform logistics to become future and planet proof. We do this with a mindset of curiosity and creativity, together as a team and with our clients and other stakeholders in the logistic chain. Above all, we love our work. We use our state-of-the-art models, expertise, and skills to make a positive impact on business, people, and planet.
By tuning and optimising models that mimic existing terminals or terminals that are yet to be build, you determine the best performing terminal operation! Because every terminal has its own unique characteristics, every project is different and leads to different logistical challenges to solve.
By comparing different designs into our models and by varying the amount, specification and behaviour of equipment you gain a lot of insights. You can provide a terminal with the type of equipment and amount of equipment that gives the best performance while also taking the costs into consideration. Or for example provide a heat map of the traffic to indicate possible problem areas. These are just a few examples of what you can do by applying our models.
About Konecranes
Konecranes Operational Software and Services is a leading international provider of software and services for ports and terminals with live installations worldwide. Our product and service portfolio concentrates on marine and intermodal container terminals. Our vision is to offer a world-class, end-to-end, integrated automation and optimisation software and consultancy solution for the entire lifecycle of ports and terminals. A scalable portfolio of solutions that work for small or large operations.
Large automated terminals place high demands on their operations and systems. We believe that our software, TEAMS, is the only available equipment control system (ECS) in the world to operate reliably and efficiently for every type of automated (and semi-automated) equipment. The system delivers significant benefits across operations, costs, safety, automation integration and efficiency under all conditions. We continuously enhance our operational software by improving among others logistical decision-making based on data, experience and new methodologies.
Using our proven emulation package (CONTROLS) we support in ensuring a smooth implementation of operational software for terminals worldwide. After the go-live we work on continuous improvement of our customers terminal by applying a holistic, data-driven improvement approach. We assess our client’s operational processes, systems and equipment usage. We aim to provide a balance between cost, performance, capacity, maintenance, predictability, stability, and feasibility. During this process, we use our experience, data models, emulation (CONTROLS), training setups, and optimization tools.
Working at our place
To stay at the forefront of developments in the port business and to consolidate our leading position in the field of software for automated container equipment and consultancy, we are working on various R&D initiatives. These initiatives are often supported by students. We mostly work with students with a background in Operations Research, Engineering or Computer science, but we are open to any enthusiastic, motivated talent with affinity for optimization, modelling, and logistics.
We are working several days a week from our modern office in the Netherlands (Rijswijk), in addition we also cooperate regularly with our offices in Romania, Germany South America and Oceania. We are accommodated to a hybrid way of working to have both the flexibility of working remotely and the power of personal collaboration.
There will be opportunities to travel and work abroad due to the international character of our business. Besides that, Konecranes and Portwise believe that training is an essential part to keep on improving.
Are you interested?
We are continuously looking for new members to join our international team. Then reach out to us by contacting: Erwin van Wingerden (erwin.van.wingerden@konecranes.com)
For more information visit our website:
https://www.konecranes.com/port-equipment-services/operational-software-services