Port Call Optimization Guide launched at IMO
A new Port Call Optimization Guide was launched this week by The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) & The International Harbour Masters’ Association (IHMA) at IMO’s Facilitation Committee (FAL 50), marking an important step towards safer, more efficient, and more sustainable port calls.
Developed through broad stakeholder collaboration across the maritime sector, the guide supports the harmonized electronic exchange of key nautical and operational data to improve the efficiency and predictability of port calls. The data sets set out in the guide have already been tested through practical port-to-port trials, demonstrating their relevance and applicability in real operational contexts.
The new Guide is intended for a wide range of stakeholders involved in port calls, including harbour masters, port authorities, terminal operators, nautical service providers, ship operators, policy makers and solution providers. It builds on earlier work undertaken by the IMO GreenVoyage2050 Low Carbon GIA, including the Just-In-Time (JIT) Arrival Guide, which helped lay important groundwork for improving coordination between ships and ports and reducing avoidable waiting time and emissions.
Ben van Scherpenzeel from the Port of Rotterdam, a member of the IMO GreenVoyage2050 Low Carbon GIA, said:
“The launch of the PCO Guide is a major milestone for the maritime sector. Better data sharing and greater coordination between ships and ports are essential to making Just-In-Time operations a reality and to delivering both operational and environmental benefits. The focus now should be on turning this guide into practice through wider uptake and implementation across the sector.”
The Low Carbon GIA will continue to support progress on JIT implementation, particularly in developing countries, helping to translate the JIT and PCO guides into practical action and emissions reductions on the ground.
For more information on JIT sailing and access to our practical resources, visit our JIT Portal.
About the IMO GreenVoyage2050 Low Carbon GIA
The IMO GreenVoyage2050 Low Carbon Global Industry Alliance (Low Carbon GIA) is a public-private partnership that brings together maritime industry leaders to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from shipping. Through collaboration, pilot activities and the development of practical tools and guidance, the Low Carbon GIA helps advance innovative solutions and accelerate the uptake of energy efficiency measures and low- and zero-carbon technologies across the sector.
