The Supply Chain Resilience Taskforce has released the study “Port Call Optimization through Data Quality” at the IAPH World Ports Conference on October 9 in Hamburg.
The urgent need to implement the IMO Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business in the maritime sector and harmonizing communication and electronic exchange of operational data for port calls presents several challenges for ports worldwide. To address these challenges, this study presents essential findings and key insights from various in-depth interviews with port authorities and maritime stakeholders on how they implemented Just-in-Time Arrival best practices. These insights are crucial for understanding the practical implications and benefits these practices have to offer. The results are meticulously summarized in an implementation checklist, which focuses on enhancing data quality in the context of Port Call Optimization.
Members of the Supply Chain Resilience Taskforce
Recognizing the value of shared global experiences, the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), in collaboration with chainPORT, the Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA), the Terminal Industry Committee 4.0 (TIC 4.0), and the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA), formed a Supply Chain Resilience Taskforce in 2023. This initiative, which is an industry response to the call from cargo owners for greater data visibility, aims to enhance maritime supply resilience. The taskforce works by collaborating with all stakeholders in the maritime supply chain. One of the major challenges the industry faces is improving data quality with Just-in-Time (JIT) Port Calls as an end goal.
The participating organizations made the following comments:
- chainPORT: “Implementing Just-in-Time (JIT) Arrival Guidelines play a crucial role in driving decarbonization and enhancing efficiency in maritime shipping. When executed with high-quality data and adherence to standards, JIT can significantly impact operations. Even small actions can foster better communication among stakeholders during port call processes.”
- IAPH: “This study is based on recording the lessons learned from pioneering ports who have endeavored to implement an optimised port call process using standardised, single truth data. Our members who are commencing their JIT journey should start with this study.”
- DCSA: “Setting the global standards is only one side of the coin, while only by getting them widely adopted the real benefits can be seen and recognized. At DCSA we put a lot of focus on driving adoption and support our members and the wider ecosystem with the implementation processes for the different standards we have created over the last five years. Honestly, it was a real pleasure to be a part of this initiative, where together with the other participants we took a deep-dive on how implementation can be achieved”
- TIC 4.0: “TIC4.0 is willing to contribute to the adoption of JIT standards at international level, to increase operational efficiency, enhance sustainability and pave the way for common understanding of the port call process among ports, port terminals and shipping companies.”
- IPCSA: “IPCSA is very pleased to have worked with the other associations on this study, together with some of our members who brought valuable input. The study will bring new insights how the maritime supply chain and its business processes can be optimised through digital transformation in port- and port community environments. Port Community Systems are open, neutral platforms who enable intelligent and secure exchange of information, so in the context of this study and in achieving ‘supply chain excellence’ they play a pivotal and often indispensable role to achieve this goal.”
Source: IAPH