Berthing in Shipping Guide: From Scheduling to Execution

What is Berthing in Shipping?

When a cargo ship arrives at port, it doesn’t just pull up and start unloading. It needs to secure a parking spot first. In the shipping world, we call this parking spot a berth.

Berthing is the process of safely navigating a vessel into its designated position alongside a pier, quay, or dock so that cargo operations can commence. It’s a crucial step in the journey of your freight and one that requires careful coordination between the ship, port authorities, and terminal operators. Understanding the meaning of berthing in shipping is key to keeping your freight flowing smoothly once it reaches port.

Think of it like parallel parking a giant ship in a crowded lot. The vessel must maneuver into a tight space without disrupting traffic or damaging infrastructure. It’s a delicate dance that relies on skill, communication, and a bit of luck.

In this guide, we’ll dive into the factors that affect berthing times, what you can expect at different ports, and how Freightos can help you navigate the complexities of shipping basics like a pro.

Key Factors That Affect Berthing Times

How long does it take a ship to berth? Well, that depends. Several circumstances can impact berthing times:

• Congestion and traffic at the port: Just like rush hour on the highway, ports can get packed during peak times. The more ships jockeying for position, the longer the wait for an open shipping berth.
• Availability of shipping berths: Ports assign berthing windows based on ship schedules and cargo needs. If a ship misses its slot due to delays at sea, it may have to wait for the next opening.
• Tides and weather conditions: High winds, choppy waves, and strong currents can make berthing maneuvers trickier and riskier. In some cases, port authorities may postpone berthing until conditions improve.
• The size and draft of the vessel: Bigger ships require more space and deeper waters to berth safely. Some ports may have limited capacity for mega-ships or vessels with certain cargo specs.
• Cargo type and volume to be loaded/unloaded: The amount and nature of cargo can affect how long a ship stays at berth. Vessels with lots of containers or complex cargo like hazardous materials may require extra time and special handling.

All these dynamic factors make berthing a complex piece of the shipping puzzle. Delays in berthing can create a domino effect, slowing down cargo inspections, terminal handling, transfers to the container freight station (CFS), and ultimately, final delivery. That’s why it’s so important to work with logistics pros who can anticipate and adapt to any berthing hiccups.

Estimated Times of Berthing in Shipping

On average, it takes anywhere from 2-24 hours for a ship to complete berthing time once it arrives at port. But as we saw above, it’s not an exact science.

For example, berthing a mega-ship at a busy hub like the Port of Los Angeles could take significantly longer than berthing a small freighter at a sleepy regional port. The specific vessel, cargo, and conditions all come into play.

Use Freightos’ transit time calculator to get tailored estimates based on your unique shipping needs. Our predictive algorithms factor in all the variables to give you the most accurate ETAs and help you plan accordingly.

Biggest Ports’ Berthing Schedules

How frequently ships can berth varies widely between ports based on capacity, efficiency, and demand. Here’s a snapshot of typical port berthing schedules at a few major ports:

• Port of Shanghai: The Port of Shanghai is a bustling hub, handling over 40 million TEUs annually, making it one of the world’s busiest ports. With extensive infrastructure, it accommodates a large volume of vessels daily, ensuring efficient cargo handling and distribution. It is estimated that the port has a berthing frequency of one vessel every 2-4 hours.
• Port of Rotterdam: The Port of Rotterdam, Europe’s largest port, operates with state-of-the-art automation and 24/7 functionality, ensuring smooth operations. While specific berthing frequencies vary, its efficient cargo handling systems contribute to the port’s prominence in global shipping. It is estimated that the port has an average berthing frequency of one ship every 4-6 hours.
• Port of Singapore: The Port of Singapore, a major transshipment hub, plays a key role in global shipping. Its strategic location at the crossroads of international trade routes and advanced infrastructure enables rapid cargo turnover. It is estimated that the port accommodates a cargo ship berthing every 1-2 hours, thanks to its efficient operations.

Keep in mind that berthing schedules can fluctuate wildly during peak shipping seasons like the summer surge or winter holidays. Sudden spikes in volume can overwhelm even the most prepared ports, causing berthing bottlenecks and cascading delays.

It pays to check berth schedules early and often. Collaborating closely with your freight forwarder will help you stay ahead of any berthing issues that could derail your delivery dates.

Staying Alert to Berthing in Shipping

With so many variables at play, berthing in shipping is one of the trickier aspects to manage. The key is staying informed at every stage of your cargo’s journey.

That’s where Freightos comes in. Our digital platform leverages real-time data and automated alerts to give you unparalleled visibility into your shipments. You’ll know the instant your container ship hits port, and be able to track its progress through berthing and beyond.

No more guessing games or frantic calls to the port. With Freightos, you’ll have all the intel you need to manage berthing like a boss. Our predictive analytics will help you anticipate any snags and adapt your logistics strategy on the fly.

Of course, technology is only half the battle. To truly master berthing, you need boots on the ground too. Freightos’ network of trusted partners spans the globe, giving you eyes and ears at every port. Our local experts will work round the clock to keep your berthing on track and troubleshoot any issues that arise.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about data – it’s about people working together to get the job done.

Manage Berthing Times With Freightos

Smooth berthing means on-time delivery of your freight. And on-time delivery keeps your whole business humming.

But as we’ve seen, berthing is a complex beast. There are countless moving parts and potential pitfalls, from congestion and weather to cargo quirks. Trying to manage it all manually is a recipe for frustration.

That’s why more and more shippers are digitalizing their berthing process with Freightos. Our all-in-one platform streamlines every aspect of port logistics, from documentation and scheduling to real-time tracking and proactive problem-solving.

With Freightos in your corner, you’ll be able to:

• Book guaranteed berth windows in just a few clicks
• Monitor your ship’s progress with real-time GPS and alerts
• Adjust itineraries and ETAs on the fly based on actionable insights
• Collaborate seamlessly with all port stakeholders via a unified interface
• Access 24/7 support from local logistics experts

In other words? You’ll have total control and peace of mind, no matter what curveball berthing throws your way.

Ready to bring your berthing process into the 21st century? Get in touch with Freightos today and let us simplify your shipping from port to port. We’ll keep your cargo flowing, your customers smiling, and your bottom line glowing.

Because let’s face it – in today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, you can’t afford to leave your berthing to chance. You need a partner who gets it and gets it done. You need Freightos.

Let’s chart a course to shipping success together.

Happy berthing!