The European Union has introduced the 15th sanctions package, in its continued effort to address sanctions circumvention and undermine Russia’s military and industrial capabilities. It targets 52 additional ships involved in high-risk activities, including transporting oil, arms, and stolen Ukrainian grain. Escalating Measures Against Russia’s Shadow Fleet The EU’s focus in this sanctions package is...
Windward customers keep winning! A Spanish operation in the Atlantic led to the seizure of 4 tons of cocaine, according to a LinkedIn post from the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre – Narcotics (MAOC-N). Shared Intel & Operational Plan Lead to Huge Drug Bust The MAOC-N is an initiative by nine EU Member Countries (France,...
Vessel tracking is the ability to detect, identify, and monitor a ship’s location, and map the full details of the entire route. GPS pinpoints a vessel’s location, which is essential for tracking bad actors, and for the ship to navigate. Other systems, such as the ship’s automatic identification system (AIS) transponders, incorporate the GPS and transmit information, including the ship’s position, identification number, draft, and accompanying details.
The concept of “ship position” has evolved from a static coordinate on a map to an invaluable data point in a complex, inter-connected system of maritime security, global logistics and supply chain management. The real-time tracking of ship positions allows for dynamic route adjustments, effective contingency planning, and even the avoidance of extra costs, such as detention and demurrage fees. Understanding a ship’s position is a key aspect of vessel tracking that enhances operational value.
According to Marine Insight, a vessel tracking system is a collection of equipment that enables marine and naval vessels to track, identify, and monitor a ship’s position, location and other necessary details. This can be used to know when ocean freight containers will arrive, which ports may be congested and which route is optimal, etc.
4 Benefits of Maritime AI™-Powered Vessel Tracking
Vessel tracking offers a multitude of benefits for the ocean freight logistics and supply chain industry. Here are some of the primary advantages:
Improved, actionable visibility: vessel tracking enables real-time visibility into a ship’s position. This level of transparency allows businesses to know the status and position of their goods, leading to better decision-making. With up-to-date knowledge of where a vessel is, companies can anticipate arrivals and plan their logistics accordingly. This can reduce waiting times at ports, streamline cargo transfers, and enhance overall supply chain efficiency.
Proactive planning: using predictive analysis based on vessel tracking data and historical trends, companies can predict potential delays and disruptions, allowing for proactive planning and resource allocation.
Improved customer service: real-time tracking data can be shared with customers, keeping them informed about the whereabouts of their goods. This can enhance trust and foster stronger business relationships.
Reduced demurrage and detention charges: by having an accurate ETA for vessels, importers and exporters can plan container pick-ups and returns more efficiently, avoiding additional charges due to delays.
Vessel tracking and the supply chain
One container journey is often carried out by multiple vessels. Vessel tracking is crucial to track where the vessel (or vessels) are and to monitor the container from its port of loading (POL) to the final port of discharge (POD). For example, container X can leave its original POL on vessel A, travel to a transshipment port, be discharged from vessel A, and be loaded onto vessel B, which will transport it to the final POD. There could even be one or two more intermediate ports in more complex scenarios.
The complexities of the supply chain, like the rise in port congestion, vessel tracking, container tracking, and ensuring visibility on the ocean leg of the supply chain, have never been more critical. With many dynamic changes and unknowns, the more organizations know and can see, the easier it is to deal with any setbacks that may arise and more importantly, to act strategically and proactively. With an ocean vessel tracking system, this is possible, showing real-time updates of your containers’ journeys.
What is Maritime Transport? Maritime transport refers to the movement of goods and people across waterways using ships and other vessels. It is a key component of global trade, enabling the bulk transportation of commodities like oil, grain, and manufactured goods. Maritime transport plays a vital role in the global supply chain and economic growth....
What is a Standard Operating Procedure? In supply chain and logistics, standard operating procedure (SOP) is a detailed protocol outlining the necessary steps to be taken during routine operations and when exceptions or unpredicted events occur. It is a guideline to ensure consistency, efficiency, and compliance across all supply chain processes. When unexpected events arise,...
What is Logistics Automation? Logistics automation refers to the use of technology and software to streamline and improve logistics operations, such as transportation, inventory management, warehousing, and order fulfillment. It involves automating manual repetitive tasks and processes to increase efficiency, reduce human error, and lower operational costs. Some common elements of logistics automation include: Logistics...
What is Port Congestion? Port congestion occurs when ships face delays in loading or unloading cargo due to bottlenecks at ports. There are a number of reasons for this congestion at the ports, including high cargo volumes, limited port capacity, labor shortages, or inefficient operations. Congested ports have a significant impact, as they lead to...
What is Inventory Management? Inventory management in the maritime industry involves the efficient control and oversight of goods as they move through the supply chain. It aims to minimize costs and delays while ensuring that cargo is accurately tracked, stored, and moved. This process includes managing container flows and coordinating with ports and distribution centers. ...
