Standardized Data is Key to Digital Sustainability

Standardized data is key to digital sustainability.

Or so says the newest available research on the matter.

The GreenVoyage2050Project, a partnership between the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Norway with a mission to drive the low-carbon evolution of the shipping industry. They’ve released a study that utilized 2019 AIS data to calculate fuel usage and reductions for Just in Time Arrival Scenarios (JIT). 

From GreenVoyage2050Project: “Just in time [JIT] arrivals allow ships to optimize speed during their voyage to arrive in port when berth, fairway and nautical services are available. JIT is an important tool that can contribute to a ship attaining its required carbon intensity indicator and associated CII rating in accordance with IMO’s short-term GHG reduction measure, which will enter into force later this year.” The study found that adjusting speed for JIT saved on average 14% of fuel. 

Andreas van der Wurff, port optimisation manager at A.P. Moller-Maersk and chair of the Low Carbon GIA ship-port interface workstream said, “The study underlines that while we work to accelerate and scale the availability of the future green fuels, in the short-term significant emissions reductions can be achieved by bringing vessels, terminals and ports together to exchange standardized data and facilitate just in time arrivals.”

Standardizing supply chain data has been a key point in optimization conversations for years, but in the past, has faced resistance from carriers fearing to lose their control over operations and ability to innovate. Some industry leaders have said it’s just the opposite, that carriers will have more control over their operations and new ways to promote innovation. 

Moving forward with standardized data, the ability to share that data between vessels, ports, and terminals just makes sense not only for carbon emissions reduction, but for operations optimization, a better service model for customers, and ultimately, carrier bottom line. 

If you have any questions about how this, or any other current events will impact your cargo strategy, reach out to your trusted partners at SecurCapital.