APM Terminals has already met its 2023 target of a 20% decrease in port stays compared to a baseline in 2021.
The global port operator has already discovered hundreds of process changes to save time in port.
"The biggest gains will come from companies who improve cooperation between shipping lines and terminals," stated Laura Bercan, responsible for Visibility Products at APM Terminals. "APM Terminals' newest visibility solution, the Shipping Line Dashboard, will provide the foundation to open this dialogue."
To accomplish the company's 30% average reduction objective in port stays across all clients by 2025, ports and vessels must work even harder, according to APM Terminals. Improved stowage plans to eliminate movements, greater dual cycles and tandem lifts, and optimised crane splits to guarantee all cranes finish simultaneously will all contribute to the greatest benefits at the lowest possible cost, said Maersk-owned port operating company.
"The improved visibility and predictability offered by our new Shipping Line Dashboard can provide a great starting point for these conversations. Furthermore, the solution is built in accordance with the DCSA's Interface Standard for Just-in-Time Port calls. This enables operational port-call data from the Dashboard to be digitally shared with other industry parties in a consistent manner. This can help synchronise upstream vessel-port activities and improve efficiency," stated Bercan.
Furthermore, the Shipping Line Dashboard gives shipping operators real-time, 24-hour access to current vessel schedules and the operating condition of a vessel at berth.
This comprises completed and outstanding movements (loading and discharging), accurate anticipated completion times, and efficiency statistics for each crane aboard the vessel.
Finally, the Dashboard can assist shipping companies in better estimating bunkering needs and future planning. It eliminates the need to contact the terminal, gives 24/7 transparency, eliminates human bias and mistakes in estimations, and eliminates guessing.
Already operational at four APM Terminals sites (Onne and Apapa in Nigeria, Algeciras in Spain and Progresso in Mexico), the company's worldwide strategy to creating digital solutions means that the Dashboard will be available at seven more terminals by the end of the year.
“The delivery of the Shipping Line Dashboard marks an important step in our digital transformation and product development focused on shipping operators,” pointed out Laura Bercan, adding, "We expect this product to evolve with our customers’ needs, and that will get us even closer to being the World’s Best Terminal Operator.”
