Ships’ Agents
SHIPPING & TRANSPORT
Diligent delegates
Jay Venter
Inchcape’s information network fuels port efficiency for dry bulk owners amid pandemic challenges But Ong points out that such data transparency can sometimes be difficult due to local dynamics that affect dry bulkintensive ports in some parts of the world. “So this is where our local presence, expertize and standardized way of working are an advantage,” she says. Inchcape offices around the world are feeding constantly updated port data into its World of Ports software platform that is accessible for ship operators wherever their vessels are located. Ong explains the flow of accurate information is essential to voyage management as it enables Inchcape, for example, to advise operators on adjusting vessel speeds so they can make docking slots, based on its oversight of line-ups at ports where it is ‘first come, first served’. “We are monitoring the status of different ports and communicating with the customer to maximize berthing opportunities, which can translate into savings in fuel costs and port fees by optimizing port turnarounds and voyage times,” she says.
Furthermore, key documentation — such as the statement of facts and notice of readiness — also need to be provided with great accuracy.
Crew changes have been a particular challenge during the pandemic given lockdown restrictions in some countries and charter clauses that dictate a maximum duration for the same crew to
PORT OPTIMIZATION The World of Ports system also facilitates vessel compatibility checks to determine whether destination port terminals are suitable for a particular ship that is not plying a fixed route. “Traders and charterers have been getting more creative about where they can ship cargoes during the pandemic and our port agency network has played an important role in this by providing key data to help them think out of the box,” Ong says. For vessels traversing the same ports, Inchcape analyses key performance indicators to tackle efficiency gaps to achieve port optimization. It can also provide end-to-end voyage
FEBRUARY 2022
CREWING SOLUTIONS DATA TRANSPARENCY ISSUE
remain onboard a vessel, with the risk of financial penalties for shipowners. “Everyone has been looking at crew changes as operators, as well as traders and charterers, are affected if a vessel is delayed. Our web page with Covid-19 updates had 177,000 visits last year,” Ong says. “We have had frantic calls from ship operators asking us where they can drop off crews when time has been of the essence. This is both a financial and humanitarian issue where our network has been of great value.” www.drycargomag.com
The availability and accuracy of port data has been vital for voyage decision-making by dry cargo shipowners to help overcome port congestion, crew logistics and other challenges due to the pandemic that have hit the flow of maritime trade, according to Inchcape Shipping Services. The port agency specialist has been able to deliver critical data on port line-ups and berth availability to facilitate timely vessel arrivals and expedite port turnarounds by leveraging the resources of its extensive global network, says Inchcape’s Global Sector Head for Dry Bulk, Elyse Ong. This proved particularly important with the resurgence in the dry bulk market last year as countries rebooted industrial activity after lockdowns, which resulted in a dramatic increase in vessel traffic. “If a ship cannot berth on arrival, this can affect demurrage and the charter party. So knowledge of berth availability is paramount for the owner, as well as information on port line-ups and local weather conditions that can lead to delays,” Ong says.
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