The Port data standard was developed because there was a need to obtain up-to-date, standardized and available information on ports and facilities.

Stakeholders who need access to detailed information about ports are the port authorities and other users of the port. These are employees in the port (personnel working with maintenance, supervision, traffic, development or real estate department, port inspector), maritime industry (navigators, shipowners, pilots, emergency services) or external users such as the Norwegian Coastal Administration, municipalities, county municipalities, the Norwegian Maritime Directorate, the Armed Forces, The Norwegian Environment Agency, the State Administrator and others.

Accurate port data contributes to simpler and more efficient communication between ports and agents or vessels that are to call. The data set can be used for planning and streamlining operations in the port, for simpler planning of calls: overview of quay configuration and available resources per quay, how large ship that can use the berth at the quay, weight limitations of the bollard or mooring devices, or date of the previous certification of the bollard.

Port data can also be used to retrieve information about: overview of land areas, planning of use for available areas. Overview of the type of waste that can be disposed of where. Location of port facilities, which port facilities are ISPS port facilities, and which quays are connected to which port facilities. Quay design: geographical configuration, type of use, type of construction, type of deck on the quay. Weigh limitation o areas in port: permitted weight of vehicles and weigh of cargo that can be stored. Crane capacity: location, permanently mounted or movable crane, range and maximum load. Overview of speed limits or other areas that are subject to regulations or types of prohibitions.

ISO19115

2003