This position paper, dated March 1, 2021, highlights FEPORT’s view that vessel call optimization (VCO) is fundamentally about enhancing terminal productivity and capacity utilization, beyond merely reducing costs for vessel calls. It emphasizes that efficient port calls necessitate the efficient use of terminal resources and effective communication between terminals and ships, with schedule reliability identified as a crucial success factor for VCO.
The document points out that many EU ports have already established Vessel Coordination Centers (VCCs), which serve to systematize the exchange of information among all stakeholders involved in a vessel call, from its approach to the port until its departure. These VCCs have demonstrated their effectiveness in improving vessel calls and contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions.
While acknowledging the importance of reducing emissions at ports, FEPORT clarifies that these emissions represent a small fraction of total shipping emissions. The paper advises policymakers to support existing best practices within VCCs and to promote initiatives aimed at standardizing and sharing data to further enhance port call processes. Additionally, given the significant number of vessels that arrive late, FEPORT stresses that schedule reliability should become a priority.
Download link: FEPORT_2021-03-01_position-paper-on-vessel-call-optimization.pdf
