How Can I Increase My Berth Utilisation?

Marine Terminal Operations

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How Can I Increase My Berth Utilisation?

Efficient berth utilisation is crucial for maintaining smooth terminal operations and optimizing throughput. Idle berths, scheduling conflicts, and poor communication can lead to lost time and increased costs. However, by leveraging smart strategies and advanced tools, you can significantly improve berth usage and boost your terminal’s overall efficiency. From real-time data monitoring and automated scheduling to enhanced communication and contingency planning, the right terminal management empowers your marine team to minimise idle time and maximise operational performance.

This 7 step guide explores key strategies for increasing berth utilisation and ensuring that every vessel call is handled efficiently, helping you get the most out of your terminal’s resources.

1. Optimise Scheduling and Planning

Use real-time data and historical reporting to optimise vessel scheduling. Efficiently plan vessel arrivals and departures to minimise idle time and maximise berth usage.

2. Enhance Communication and Coordination

Maintain clear and consistent communication with all stakeholders, including inspectors, agents, and vessel operators. Ensure everyone is aware of timelines and responsibilities, reducing the risk of delays.

3. Implement Advanced Berth Allocation Systems

Utilise digital solutions and automated systems to manage berth allocation. These systems can help dynamically adjust schedules based on real-time conditions and vessel requirements.

4. Monitor Real-time Data

Continuously monitor real-time data on vessel locations and movements. This allows for quick adjustments to berth assignments and helps identify and resolve potential bottlenecks.

5. Develop Contingency Plans

Have backup plans for unexpected events, such as bad weather or equipment shortages. This ensures that operations can continue smoothly even in adverse conditions.

6. Conduct a Proper Vessel/Berth Fit Test

Regularly perform vessel/berth fit tests to ensure that vessels are appropriately matched to berths. This helps optimize berth utilization by reducing the risk of delays and ensuring safe and efficient operations.

7. Plan and Share Information About Dock Maintenance and Outages

Proactively plan and communicate dock maintenance schedules and outages to all stakeholders. This helps minimize disruptions and ensure that berths are utilized efficiently.

Maximise Berth Utilisation and Streamline Operations with Mainstay MTO

Implementing these strategies can significantly increase berth utilisation and ensure smoother terminal operations.

Mainstay MTO provides the marine team with everything they need to increase berth utilisation. It offers comprehensive tools for real-time data monitoring, historical reporting, automated scheduling, and centralised information storage. Mainstay MTO enhances visibility and communication among stakeholders, ensuring efficient planning, timely vessel movements, and effective resolution of any issues. Ultimately, this maximises berth usage and improves overall operational efficiency.