The Inchcape Shipping Services released Version 2.0 of its World of Ports Portal. This development promises transparency and market intelligence for its customers, says the VP of Sales & Development, Jeff Clark.
World of Ports service was born out of a customer request to improve its cargo operations. According to Jeff Clark, this 2007 launch has been available since 2010 as a trusted single dataset source for customers globally.
Extensive network
What makes World of Ports 2.0 unique is its approach in gathering data directly from the company’s agency network and verifying it through independent data analysts led by a Master Mariner with seafaring backgrounds. These analysts know the related risks and practical issues, making our service on the same page with our customers.
World of Ports 2.0 consists of 36,000 berths, 16,000 terminals, and 4,600 ports around the world. By providing near-real-time global data, the portal strives to be a leading decision-making tool for marine assurance. It offers vast and reliable data, a better user interface, and added features that give customers a competitive edge.
Optimal benchmarking
Next year, a Port Cost Estimator module, a Port Performance module, and a Market Intelligence will be released following this initial Port Data module. These releases will improve benchmarking and planning for the marine assurance and operations community.
Port Data module automates due diligence checks for charterers, making cargo operations more predictable. It’s a shift from a single-source dataset to single-source global ports, terminals, and berths.
Notable attributes include a one-stop search using high-tech filters. Search using the fleet or vessel’s name, IMO number, size, and type. Then narrow the results by region, country, or port to retrieve compatible locations for your vessel or fleet.
Freeing up precious time
Chartering teams working for smaller companies with limited resources or manual systems will save time using this online service. For, the dataset’s functionality eliminates manual data collection and updates. It geofences and geocodes the ports, terminals, and berths and integrates vessel tracking for at least 50,000 vessels globally. There is less ambiguity of all locations, facilitating port calls, vessel line-up, and congestion tracking.
‘Gold’ record of port calls
Inchcape’s proprietary geofencing helps shipping agent(s) spot laden or in-ballast vessels and foresee the cargo type and quantity. It is a ‘gold’ record comprising of a near real-time port database for superior transparency with every port call.
Shipping agent(s) want to track the cargo and vessels’ commodity flow(s). The scheduled Marketing Intelligence module has features that facilitate this globally, to be detailed later.
Custom alerts
For Port Data customization, each berth has alerts for congestion, arrivals, departures, and time stamps on all data passing through the system. Besides, shipping agent(s) have the option of setting up geofencing alerts for Emission Control Areas and privacy zones. The data status is crucial for reporting or verification to authorities, while the custom alerts reinforce transparency necessary to mitigate risk.
Version 2.0’s vessel surveillance is not new per se. But, its data layering is new and unique for a competitive edge.
Predictability in uncertain times
The new normal for shipping is about stricter emissions rules, escalating fuel costs, and unstable markets. External factors may disrupt trade patterns. The World of Ports 2.0, through its regular detailed updates, helps maintain certainty at the port level. Customers stay informed on compliance requirements for each call.
The upcoming Port Performance module will feature near real-time port congestion and vessel type and commodity turnaround times. An optimization tool will facilitate sailing speed adjustments for fuel savings on ships.
The global coronavirus global pandemic presents new challenges for shipping and ports. World of Ports will activate the news alert functionality, enabling receiving ports to get real-time critical updates for preparedness against any Covid-19 flare-ups or future pandemics. Currently, there are regular updates published on our corporate website, with 223,249-page visits so far.
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