The Port of Rotterdam is stepping up its approach to optimize vessel movements by launching a new geofencing system. This cutting-edge system marks a key milestone in the Just-in-Time (JIT) sailing initiative, which aims to reduce carbon emissions while streamlining the port’s shipping traffic. By introducing geofencing, Rotterdam hopes to strike a balance between operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, setting a new standard for maritime logistics.
Launched in mid-October, the geofencing system alerts terminal planners and shipping agents via email when a vessel enters the Port-passage Planning Area (PPA) — an area defined by a 240-nautical-mile radius around the Maascenter buoy. As ships cross this “invisible boundary,” they automatically receive an Actual Time of Arrival (ATA) within the PPA, providing updated and accurate scheduling information. This feature enables a smoother arrival process, reducing idling times, energy consumption, and port congestion.
The Just-in-Time sailing approach also offers remarkable benefits in sustainability and cost savings. According to a 2022 study commissioned by the Global Industry Alliance (GIA) to Support Low Carbon Shipping, fuel consumption for container ships can be reduced by 4.23% when vessels operate under JIT conditions in the final 12 hours of their voyage. This modest but impactful reduction could lead to significant decreases in carbon dioxide emissions, aligning with the goals of the GreenVoyage2050 project, a joint initiative between the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Norway to drive decarbonization in the shipping industry.
The success of this geofencing system relies on close collaboration among stakeholders, including terminal operators, shipping agents, and nautical service providers within Rotterdam. By working together to share and improve the accuracy of vessel information, these stakeholders aim to enhance overall operational efficiency and support a more sustainable port environment. This level of teamwork is essential for JIT initiatives, which thrive on coordinated data sharing and real-time adjustments, setting a promising precedent for other major ports to follow in the future.
This approach not only aligns Rotterdam with global sustainability trends but also demonstrates the port’s commitment to innovation. The geofence system and JIT model provide a glimpse into a future where ports around the world might adopt similar technology to improve both environmental and operational outcomes.
