The Port of Gothenburg has launched a new platform, dubbed ‘Digital Port Call’ to provide faster, safer, more efficient and sustainable ship calling processes.
This new vessel arrival initiative represents a new comprehensive digitalisation process, as Fredrik Rauer, Manager Port Control, Gothenburg Port Authority, explains noting that from the departure of a vessel from its previous port until it arrives at the Port of Gothenburg, large amounts of information need to be communicated between up to 120 different parties. These must all be actors who need to be synchronised, including shipping companies, terminals, tugboats, pilots, boatmen, and traffic planners.”
He elaborates: “With our Digital Port Call platform, all necessary information can be collected and processed into a common situational awareness that provides data-driven decision support throughout the call process. This provides better predictability and opportunities for more efficient resource planning, while any disruptions can be detected and addressed early.”
In addition, ‘Digital Port Call’ also enables just-in-time arrivals for vessels. By receiving a “digital queue ticket” well in advance of arrival, vessels avoid rushing into the port area for a favourable slot time. Instead, it can adjust to a more eco-friendly and cost effective speed during the sailing from the previous port so that upon arrival in the Gothenburg port area, it can proceed directly to a pre-assigned quay.
When calculating the total reduction in anchorage and berth time, the Port of Gothenburg expects a decrease of 6000 tons of CO2 emissions in the port area per year thanks to the conditions created by the new platform.
