The Chemical Logistics Association (VNCW) is launching an ambitious project to forecast safety risks in the supply chain with artificial intelligence. Titled "AI-driven forecasting safety risks in chemical supply chains", the industry association is developing a platform to prevent incidents before they happen.
Chemical logistics are becoming more complex due to geopolitical tensions, cyber threats and extreme weather. To stay ahead of these challenges, the VNCW is launching an innovative AI platform. The goal is clear: from reacting to incidents to proactively predicting and preventing them. This should take environmental and process safety across the industry to the next level.
A generational shift in safety
As the industry association for chemical logistics, the VNCW represents the interests of companies storing and transporting hazardous materials in the Netherlands. Among its members, the association counts dozens of leading companies in chemical logistics. As a trade association, the VNCW focuses on knowledge sharing, innovation and safety improvement within the chemical supply chain.
"Safety has been our top priority for decades, but traditional methods are no longer enough to identify current risks," states Luciën Govaert, director of the VNCW. "With this project, we are making a generational shift. We are moving to truly predictive safety management."
The platform combines machine learning with real-time data from the supply chain. This gives companies concrete advice on preventive measures. These include choosing alternative transport routes in case of imminent danger and scheduling extra inspections at critical moments. Temporarily adjusting stock levels or transport schedules is also a possibility.
Call for partners
The VNCW invites companies and knowledge institutions to participate as partners in this project. Specifically, the association is looking for:
- Logistics service providers and chemical manufacturers looking to strengthen their supply chain.
- Technology companies specialising in AI, data science, IoT or supply chain visibility.
- Knowledge institutions such as universities and colleges for scientific validation.
For more information and to register, contact Bernadine Kok-Snijder (VNCW).
