Port call optimization and CO2-emissions savings – Estimating feasible potential in tramp shipping

Abstract

The promise of Port Call Optimization (PCO) measures such as Virtual Arrival (VA) for increased fuel efficiency in shipping is emphasized in the literature and professional ranks alike. Despite their envisioned benefits and feasibility, the implementation of such measures has largely remained lacking. Recent studies indicate that the potential of VA on fuel efficiency might be overestimated. In this paper we propose a new approach to estimate the fuel efficiency potential of VA based on traffic data from the Swedish tramp shipping sector. Our results indicate that the feasible fuel efficiency potential of VA is significantly smaller than what has previously been reported with no discernible benefit to large cohorts of voyages. We conclude that further empirical analyses are required for increased accuracy of the estimation of the potential of PCO for increased fuel efficiency in shipping and that more measured approaches in implementation and evaluation of PCO are called for.

Keywords

• Port Call Optimization
• Virtual Arrival
• Optimal Arrival
• Just-in-Time Arrival
• Energy Efficiency
• Emission Abatement