Gothenburg digital port call product

As a result of the “Digital Port Call” product, an estimated 1000 tons of CO² emissions will be saved annually with effect from January 2024 when the new tool goes live. The system allows all parties involved in a ship’s arrival, which can be up to 120 different stakeholders, to synchronise and plan all requirements of the operation to maximise efficiencies.

Digital Port Call is the result of a collaboration between the Gothenburg Port Authority and the Finnish company, Awake.AI, which is responsible for developing the service. In 2021, the two organisations launched a new digital Berth Planner tool, Allberth, but this latest initiative plans to digitalise the whole port call.

Fredrik Rauer, Manager of Port Control, Port of Gothenburg, elaborates: “Today, there are numerous contacts that need to be made for a ship to arrive at berth, to load and unload, and then depart. This consumes time and creates uncertainty. Digital Port Call consolidates all communication points into a smooth and efficient chain where predictability for the entire ship call process becomes evident. It encompasses everything from booking pilots and tugs, ensuring cranes are in the right position for the vessel, having the port crew ready to receive ropes, knowing the prevailing wind strength, to identifying the vessels in port. Essentially, it ensures that the right information is available at the right time for effective planning of a smooth arrival.”

Digital Port Call is part of the major initiative Green Connection that the Port of Gothenburg is implementing in a bid to reduce port-related CO² emissions by 70 per cent by 2030. There will be a need to ensure storage and access to alternative fuels is available, along with investment in physical and digital infrastructure that can support a fossil-free logistics chain – currently, spending of €60 million is earmarked for CO²-reducing activities, which is targeting a reduction of 500 hours in berth time annually and 250 hours less anchoring time at the Port of Gothenburg.