Vessel Call and Traffic Optimization

Vessel Call and Traffic Optimization use digital tools to coordinate ship arrivals and port readiness, so vessels arrive when berths and services are available, instead of “sail fast then wait” at anchor. It combines real-time data on vessel positions, berth status, pilots, tugs, tides and weather to enable just-in-time arrivals, transparent berth-availability information and better integration with vessel-traffic management systems. This reduces anchorage congestion, fuel burned while waiting, underwater noise near ports and navigational safety risks. (Krantz et al., 2023)

As a core digital and automation practice for green ports, Vessel Call and Traffic Optimization directly cuts greenhouse gas emissions by enabling ships to optimize speed, typically delivering double-digit percentage savings in fuel and CO₂ on many routes. It also improves schedule reliability and use of port assets such as pilots, tugs and terminals. Globally, port call optimization and JIT-arrival initiatives and solutions apply algorithms to stagger arrivals of multiple ships heading to the same port, demonstrating substantial emissions reductions and shorter waiting times. In Southeast Asia, Singapore’s Just-in-Time Planning and Coordination Platform follows the same principles, giving ships advance information and live updates on berth allocation. Successful implementation depends on enabling regulation, shared data standards, interoperable digital platforms and close collaboration among ports, shipowners, charterers and technology providers. (Thetius, 2023)

Vessel Call and Traffic Optimization use digital tools to coordinate ship arrivals, port readiness and nautical traffic so that vessels arrive when berths and services are available, rather than “sail fast then wait” at anchor. It integrates real-time data on vessel positions, berth status, pilots, tugs, tides and weather to provide just-in-time (JIT) arrival guidance and transparent berth-availability information. This addresses problems of anchorage congestion, excessive fuel burn while waiting, underwater noise near sensitive coastal areas, and safety risks from dense traffic in constrained waterways. (Krantz et al., 2023; Thetius, 2023)

Within a green-port agenda, Vessel Call and Traffic Optimization is a core digital and automation practice because it connects ships, ports and traffic management systems through shared data platforms and decision support algorithms. It contributes directly to emissions reduction by enabling ships to slow down at sea and optimize speed, which research cited by the Global Maritime Forum suggests could deliver annual emissions savings in the order of 20 to 25% if "sail fast then wait" were eradicated. Secondary benefits include lower underwater noise near ports, improved navigational safety, more predictable port operations and better utilization of pilots, tugs and terminal assets. (Krantz et al., 2023)

Globally, Vessel Call and Traffic Optimization has been promoted through initiatives on port call optimization and JIT arrivals led by the Global Maritime Forum, IMO and industry consortia.

One prominent example is the Blue Visby Solution, developed by a consortium coordinated by NAPA and Stephenson Harwood, whose founding members included the class society ClassNK, with its emissions methodology independently validated by Bureau Veritas in May 2025. Blue Visby uses algorithms to recommend adjusted speeds for ships heading to the same port so that arrivals are staggered, reducing time at anchor without reducing cargo throughput.

A hindcast analysis of 20,580 voyages by 3,651 Panamax vessels in 2022 showed median potential CO₂ savings of 23.2%, and prototype trials on two bulk carriers in March and April 2024 achieved average CO₂ savings of 17.3% (28.2% and 12.9%) against a 14-knot service speed. (Thetius, 2023; Blue Visby, 2024a)

In Southeast Asia, similar principles are being implemented through Singapore’s Just-in-Time Planning and Coordination Platform, which provides vessels 72 hours' advance notice of berth allocation and live updates to align speed and arrival time. This scheme aims to cut anchorage time, CO₂ emissions and costs while coordinating linked services such as bunkering and husbandry services. (Hellenic Shipping News, 2024)

Key enabling factors for Vessel Call and Traffic Optimization include: supportive policy and regulation that allow and incentivize JIT arrivals, integration with IMO decarbonization measures and charter-party reforms to address split incentives; robust digital infrastructure and standards for sharing port-call and AIS data; and collaborative platforms involving ports, shipping lines, charterers, pilots and technology providers. (Thetius, 2023)

Vessel call and traffic optimization in ports is moving toward AI-driven, just-in-time (JIT) arrivals coordinated through rich data sharing between ships, ports and service providers, with a strong focus on emissions reduction and reliability. Expect rapid adoption of predictive planning systems, digital twins, and new data/communication standards that let ports manage nautical traffic more like an integrated “air traffic control” for ships. (Del Rey, 2026)