Record Port Congestion Strands Container Capacity Squeezing Vessel Supply
Delays at major global ports tie up record shipping volume, reducing available ship space and driving up ocean spot rates.
Vessel Turnaround Times
Port Efficiency Metric
The measurement of the time a vessel spends in a port from arrival to departure indicates the efficiency of terminal operations and logistics management. These vessel turnaround times include docking, loading, unloading and various administrative clearances. The calculation is limited to the time spent within the port authority’s jurisdiction and excludes time lost during the journey to the next port.
Operational Impact
Faster processing allows shipping lines to maintain their schedules and maximize the number of voyages a vessel can complete in a year. If a ship is forced to stay in port longer than planned, the entire downstream schedule is disrupted, leading to potential delays at subsequent stops. Ports invest in better cranes and automated systems to reduce these intervals.
Shorter durations at the berth reduce the environmental impact of port operations by minimizing the time ships spend with their engines running.
Cost Driver
Short stays minimize the port fees and labor costs associated with a single call. Factors such as labor strikes, equipment failure or bad weather can suddenly increase the time a ship must spend at the berth. Measuring these durations over time helps carriers select the most efficient gateways for their cargo.
The ability to guarantee consistent and short intervals is a major competitive advantage for modern deep-water ports.