Optimising Port Arrivals Could Cut Voyage Emissions Significantly

27th January 2025

Optimising port arrivals to account for congestion and waiting times could reduce voyage emissions by as much as 25% for certain vessel types, according to a new report from UCL and UMAS. The study, which analysed ship movements from 2018 to 2022, highlights significant emissions savings if port arrival inefficiencies are addressed.

Optimising Port Arrivals Could Cut Voyage Emissions Significantly

The report estimates potential emissions reductions of around 10% for containerships and dry bulk carriers, 16% for gas carriers and oil tankers, and nearly 25% for chemical tankers when port arrival scheduling is optimised. Between 2018 and 2022, waiting times for chemical tankers, gas carriers, and bulk carriers at anchor before berthing increased sharply, reaching 5.5% to 6% of their annual operating time by 2022. In contrast, waiting times for oil tankers and container ships remained relatively stable, at approximately 4.5% to 5.5%.

The rise in delays for certain vessel types stems from several factors, including port congestion exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic and a post-pandemic surge in maritime trade. These delays have underscored the broader inefficiencies within the maritime system.

The study also notes that port congestion disproportionately affects low-income member states, hindering their decarbonisation efforts. While these equity concerns were not examined in detail, the findings suggest that improving ship-port interface efficiencies could play a role in supporting a just and equitable transition as part of mid-term decarbonisation measures. Marine and shipping emissions will be in focus throughout the year with a mixture of gains being seen across increased port and journey efficiencies, improved fuel and engine systems and emissions monitoring technologies.

  • University Maritime Advisory Services (UMAS) - University Maritime Advisory Services (UMAS) is a commercial consultancy that helps the shipping, maritime, and energy sectors transition to a carbon-free future.
  • Energy Institute Shipping Research Group (UCL) - The research group is the leading authority in the understanding of barriers to decarbonisation in the shipping sector and using socio-technical transitions frameworks to provide interpretation to key decision makers in international, regional, national levels across both public and private stakeholders.

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