In Port call optimisation and digitalisation’s role in shortening bulk carrier port stays webinar, Swedish Maritime Administration project manager, research and innovation Ulf Siwe and Awake.ai chief executive Karno Tenovuo looked at how digital technologies and data-driven solutions are optimising port calls for bulk carriers from operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability standpoints
The Port call optimisation and digitalisation’s role in shortening bulk carrier port stays webinar took place 28 June 2023, and commenced with a presentation from Swedish Maritime Administration’s Mr Siwe.
The theme of his presentation was Making money and saving the planet just in time. Based on a case study involving the Finnish dry bulk company ESL Shipping, he gave an example of how virtual arrival is developing into just-in-time port calls.
ESL Shipping’s adoption of virtual arrival did not require investment. By working with the ports on co-operative vessel scheduling, the company saved up to 24% on voyage costs.
In another example, a tanker company in Finland had a product tanker sailing to the port of Gothenburg in Sweden. The expected time of arrival (ETA) was 3.00 am but the port announced it would not be ready. By slowing down, the vessel saved a tonne and a half of fuel and the vessel arrived at 8.00 am. The port has since introduced a queuing system so vessels are not penalised from optimising the port call.
This shows, said Mr Siwe, the vital role of ports in decarbonisation and how it is not only relevant to ferries and vessels on fixed route liner services, but every vessel has an opportunity to make fuel and carbon emissions savings with just-in-time port calls.
One company that offers a mechanism for ports, owners and the logistics chain to embrace just-in-time port calls is Awake.ai of Finland.
“Digitalisation in maritime logistics happens in four stages,” Mr Tenovuo said. “The first step is collaboration and transparency – bringing the actors together. The second stage is to optimise operations and offer new digital services. The third phase is to automate some of these processes, and in the last phase, some of the processes will be autonomous.”
The first stage is as easy as downloading an app. In this case, the Awake.ai app, which will move the actors in the logistics chain from using email, WhatsApp and so on, into a single collaborative platform. The next is adopting the artificial intelligence handling of ETAs of not just the current voyage, but of chains of voyages and departures.
This is a continuous feedback loop generating predictions of events and reacting to new inputs. The system goes beyond the vessel into scheduling activities in the hinterland including truck and equipment flows in the port, and the impact on the vessel.
For instance, the ports of Valencia and Livorno have had challenges with landside congestion. “We created AI models to optimise the cargo flow through those ports,” said Mr Tenovuo.
The model includes simulations starting with cargo arriving at the gate and tracking progress through the port and for up to four weeks ahead.
“We can calculate the exact just-in-time arrival time for the truck or rail operator,” he said, showing how the system optimises both sea and landside operations.
The system even handles invoicing.
A key point is the collaborative ability and scalability of the system through standardising data, but the marine industry is still behind other industries in this regard.
Takeaways
Ulf Siwe (Swedish Maritime Administration): Mr Siwe was pleased to hear of the developments taking place in a diverse sector such as dry bulk and agreed standardising data and communications is vital.
Karno Tenovuo (Awake.ai): “The (shipping) industry is following the same trend as many other sectors: you have the early adopters, the fast followers and the rest,” he said. The key is data sharing, and within Finland Awake.ai, this can be done with a high degree of accuracy, generating significant savings in costs and carbon emissions. He added the company is looking for pilot partners to develop the system.
Webinar poll results
Does your company have any existing collaborative agreements with counterparties to facilitate effective berth turnaround?
Yes, we have established collaborative agreements with counterparties to ensure efficient berth turnaround: 0%
No, we do not currently have any collaborative agreements in place for berth turnaround facilitation: 100%
We have some collaborative agreements, but they are not specifically focused on berth turnaround: 0%
Does your company have any agreements in place for sharing optimisation benefits?
Yes, we have agreements in place for sharing optimisation benefits with relevant stakeholders: 0%
No, we do not currently have any agreements for sharing optimisation benefits: 100%
We have some agreements in place, but they do not specifically address sharing optimisation benefits: 0%
Is the existing contractual framework (charter parties, bills of lading, etc) appropriate for the digital age?
Yes, the existing contractual framework is adaptable and suitable for the digital age: 0%
No, the existing contractual framework needs to be revised and updated to accommodate digital advancements: 67%
It partially meets the requirements of the digital age, but certain modifications are necessary: 33%
When it comes to port call optimisation, which factor is the most important when it comes to effective integration within existing port infrastructure and regulatory framework?
Data privacy and cyber security: 0%
Global standards for port call optimisation initiative: 64%
Interface with Port State Control authorities and other inspecting authorities: 36%
In the context of bulk carrier port calls, which digital technology or data-driven solution do you think has the most potential for reducing port congestion and improving efficiency?
Just-in-time operations for bulk carriers: 58%
Digital communications to reduce port congestion: 33%
Optimising port operations with shore power for improved delivery times and reduced emissions: 9%
Which aspect of port call optimisation do you believe is the most crucial for enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness?
Pre-arrival processes and berth scheduling: 42%
Cargo handling and post-departure procedures: 33%
Charter party clauses, incentivisation and benefit-sharing: 25%
From a port’s perspective, which technological development do you believe holds the most promise for enhancing operational efficiency?
Automated guided vehicles: 0%
Cargo tracking and monitoring: 25%
Machinery health management:0%
Cargo operations prediction, recommended time of arrival: 75%
Which innovation in maritime technology do you believe holds the most promise for the industry’s future?
Maritime autonomous surface ships: 13%
Vessel and container tracking, smart fairways: 13%
Predictive engine health and energy management: 0%
Estimated time of arrival predictions, just-in-time arrivals: 74%
Who will be the hardest actor to convince to engage in the just-in-time arrival process?
Cargo owners: 18%
Terminals: 9%
Ports: 46%
Shipping companies: 18%
Agents: 9%
Source: Riviera Maritime Media
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