Just-in-time arrivals will revolutionise how port calls are organised, but it is only the first step in the transformation as more port stakeholder systems deploy artificial intelligence, says in article published on wärtsilä website.
Why we need Just-in-time?
Just-in-time arrivals have become a hot topic as port, terminals and ship operators awaken to the advantages of reduced fuel consumption and optimised resource planning. The benefits are clear; a study by DNV GL found that ships spend roughly 37-54% of their time – and 15% of their fuel – in berth or at anchor.
Reducing time spent waiting for a port slot and speeding up port calls would cut fuel use and emissions while improving fleet and port utilisation. But for HVCC Hamburg Vessel Coordination Centre the journey towards better arrivals planning was not only a question of economics or environment, but also to offer carriers an optimal approach towards the Port of Hamburg and a unique service.
What started as an analogue process?
One man, one PC, two monitors and a subscription to an AIS tracking service – has become increasingly digital. Instead of having to continuously re-entering AIS numbers to monitor vessels across Northern Europe, HVCC’s software now tracks vessels automatically, cross-referencing data from carriers, terminals and weather services to provide accurate predicted arrival times. Updated plans for entering the port, initially conveyed to vessel operators or agents by telephone, have developed into a digitally delivered passage plan document.
Just-in-time
The just-in-time arrivals system using HVCC’s tracking software with Wärtsilä’s Navi-Port was tested successfully on two AIDA cruise vessels in late 2019. Although Covid has caused a slight delay in the project, HVCC and Wärtsilä are now confident to bring the first cargo vessels onto the streamlined new system.
While just-in-time arrivals are seen as a critical area for improving port efficiency, it is only the “low-hanging fruit” of what digitalization can offer ports, according to Dmitry Rostopshin, Head of Ship Traffic Safety & Port Operations Solutions, Wärtsilä Voyage. He explains that some of the systems that Wärtsilä deploys at ports are being harnessed to drive even greater efficiencies in other areas. But while HVCC and other progressive ports and terminal operators are embracing these ideas, others will need to follow for the maritime logistics chain to register system-wide efficiency gains.
Perfecting the passage plan
The next stage of development – conveying the passage plan directly into ships’ navigational systems – was the result of a chance conversation during a conference. Mr Hirt learned that Wärtsilä Voyage had already developed middleware to link ships’ connected ECDIS their operators’ shoreside systems. The same solution could be used to convey and automatically update the passage plan between ship, ports and terminals.
Reaching level of integration
Reaching this level of integration is not a simple undertaking. Some ports – Hamburg, for example – have integrated such systems already. But to improve the efficiency of the logistics system as a whole, a network of ports will need to adopt a similar approach. And ports across the world are very different in their approach to planning port calls and coordinating with stakeholders. While 400 or more users are already connected to HVCC and the passage plan system, there are still ports that operate using whiteboards and phone calls.
The pace of port digitalisation can seem frustratingly slow given the huge benefits of a more efficient international logistics network. But Mr Rostopshin is optimistic that digitalisation will continue to accelerate, driven by increasing competition and a growing focus on environmental protection, which itself encourages efficient port practices.
Summary
- Just-in-time arrivals have become a hot topic as port, terminals and ship operators awaken to the advantages of reduced fuel consumption.
- Reducing time spent waiting for a port slot and speeding up port calls would cut fuel use and emissions while improving fleet and port utilisation.
- The just-in-time arrivals system using HVCC’s tracking software with Wärtsilä’s Navi-Port was tested successfully on two AIDA cruise vessels in late 2019.
- The next stage of development – conveying the passage plan directly into ships’ navigational systems.
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Source: wärtsilä
