MISSION

Maritime transport accounts for over 80 % of global trade, and the EU is home to the world’s largest shipping fleet. However, the European shipping industry is faced with the challenge that ships arrive at a crowded port and receive instructions to either wait outside the harbour or anchor until port services and a berth are available. Most ports serve ships on a first-come first-served basis, leading to inefficiencies and negative environmental impacts. Additionally, this creates unbalanced port resource utilisation with high peaks leading to severe congestion and logjams that cause rippling effects across industries.

Improving the efficiency and safety of vessel operations arriving at and departing from ports will have a huge impact in the European maritime sector, translating to economic gains for the actors involved (e.g., port authorities, shipping companies, terminal owners, and operators, etc.) and environmental benefits for the society. Decreasing the waiting time of vessels in ports and port areas, accelerating their operations, and thus reducing their fuel consumption will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and have considerable benefits for the health and quality of life of near-port communities.