Powered by an advanced AI analysis model, integrating business and weather data from 70,000 Ships.
February 16, 2024 -- Weathernews Inc., a global leader in weather intelligence, introduces its latest innovation, the "Berth Waiting Forecast. This solution enables improved port congestion prediction for the global shipping industry. By seamlessly integrating business data from shipping companies with precise weather insights, the "Berth Waiting Forecast" empowers users to accurately predict the status of delayed ships at ports, marking a significant advancement in efficiency and informed decision-making in maritime operations.
In maritime operations, adverse weather conditions such as strong winds, high waves, and tropical cyclones frequently disrupt cargo handling operations at ports, leading to operational adjustments and increased fuel consumption. Weathernews' "Berth Waiting Forecast” addresses these challenges by providing users with real-time monitoring of ship delay status and congestion forecasts up to one week in advance. Leveraging AIS data from over 70,000 ships and factoring in weather conditions and day-of-the-week variations, this service offers valuable insights to optimize voyage plans and adjust speeds, thereby reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Future enhancements aim to further enhance prediction accuracy by integrating ship navigation plans derived from AIS data.
To provide its clients with actionable and data-driven insights, Weathernews continues to explore new and innovative ways to combine ship, market, and business data with weather intelligence.
In brief
Weathernews Inc. has introduced Berth Waiting Forecast, a service for monitoring vessel delays and estimating port congestion. The company says it combines shipping-company and port data with weather information, including AIS data from approximately 70,000 ships, to show current delays and forecast congestion up to one week ahead. Users can view delayed-ship counts and waiting days for selected ports, compare conditions with the previous month, and review projected daily vessel numbers. Weathernews says the service is expanding beyond major ports to include locations affected by drought, heavy rain, flooding, and port closures, including ports in Brazil and near the Panama Canal. The company plans further model enhancements that factor in ship-specific weather risks and estimated arrival times. It says the forecasts may help customers adjust routes or speeds and reduce fuel use and CO2 emissions.
Key takeaways
- Weathernews launched Berth Waiting Forecast for real-time vessel delay monitoring and port congestion forecasts.
- The service uses weather and AIS information covering approximately 70,000 ships, according to the company.
- Forecasts extend up to one week and include daily projected vessel counts.
- Coverage is being expanded to ports including locations in Brazil and around the Panama Canal.
- Planned updates will incorporate voyage weather risks and estimated arrival times.
Real-time monitoring and advanced forecasting
This service provides real-time ship delay status for each port and congestion forecasts up to one week in advance. When you select your destination port on a dedicated website, the number of delayed ships and waiting days will be displayed in real-time. You can also check whether the delay situation is increasing or easing by comparing it with the situation over the past month. Congestion prediction displays the number of ships per day up to one week in advance using numbers and graphs in an easy-to-understand manner. Differences from the real-time number of delayed vessels are also displayed, which can be used as reference information to estimate the delay situation.
Expanded coverage and future enhancements
In addition to major ports, this service will begin providing forecasts at ports where droughts, heavy rains, and floods have caused port closures and large-scale delays in the past, such as ports in Brazil and around the Panama Canal. “We plan to expand the prediction area according to the needs of customers. By using the "Berth Waiting Forecast" and adjusting the ship's speed and destination, it is expected that the operation plan will be optimized, fuel efficiency will be achieved, and CO2 emissions will be reduced”. said Keemoon Kwon, Head of Global Sales & Marketing, Sea Planning Group
Innovative prediction models and continuous improvement
We have developed a unique prediction model by combining data from approximately 70,000 ships and weather data. Moreover, we are actively working on the development of new technologies that utilize business data related to ships. For instance, the “Berth Waiting Forecast” service displays real-time ship delay status by combining Automatic Ship Identification System (AIS) and data from each port's berth area. In addition, for congestion prediction, we use a unique AI analysis model that analyzes AIS data from approximately 70,000 ships and learns the ships that are stranded in the berthing area of each port, the congestion situation at that time, and weather information, Kwon added.
Commitment to continuous innovation
In the future, improvements are planned to enhance the accuracy of congestion prediction by considering the weather risks of each ship on the voyage, predicting the estimated arrival time, and incorporating this into the prediction model. Development will continue with unique technologies and new services that integrate ship business data and weather information, aiming to ensure the safety and optimize the business of various companies involved in maritime transportation.
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Questions around this news
How does the berth waiting forecast estimate port congestion?
The service analyzes AIS information from about 70,000 ships alongside weather conditions and day-of-the-week patterns. Its AI model learns from ships waiting in port berthing areas, congestion at those times, and weather data. It provides current delay information and forecasts the number of ships expected each day for up to one week.
What information can users see in the port congestion service?
After selecting a destination port on the service’s website, users can view the number of delayed ships and their waiting days in real time. They can compare current conditions with the previous month to see whether delays are growing or easing, and review a daily congestion forecast for up to one week.
What is AIS and how is it used in shipping?
AIS, or Automatic Identification System, is a maritime radio-based system that exchanges information about vessels, such as their identity, position, course, and speed. Ships and shore-based services use these transmissions to support tracking and navigational awareness. AIS information can also help analysts understand vessel movements and patterns of port activity.
How could port congestion forecasts help shipping operators?
The release says operators may use the service’s delay and congestion information to adjust voyage plans, ship speeds, or destinations. Weather disruptions can affect cargo handling and lead to operational changes and greater fuel use. The company also plans to incorporate voyage-related weather risks and estimated arrival times into future prediction improvements.
