Ports and terminal data
Ports are chokepoints in global trade, and data about them is a powerful supply-chain signal. This guide covers ports and terminal data and how to source it.
Why port data matters now
Congestion and disruption at ports ripple through supply chains. Data on vessel calls, throughput and dwell times provides early visibility of bottlenecks and trade flows.
The data landscape
- Vessel calls: arrivals, departures and schedules (AIS-derived).
- Congestion and waiting: queues and anchorage.
- Throughput and dwell: volumes and time in port.
- Performance: terminal efficiency indicators.
Common use cases
Supply-chain visibility and ETA prediction, trade-flow analysis, port planning and benchmarking, and disruption early warning.
Sourcing considerations
Much derives from AIS plus port-community and terminal data, needing processing to derive calls, congestion and dwell. Coverage and definitions vary, and combining sources adds value.
Delivery and cadence
Visibility wants near-real-time feeds; analysis uses batches. The data is geospatial and temporal, so consistent referencing matters.
In a managed model
A managed partner can derive port calls, congestion and dwell from AIS and port data and deliver them in your format.
From AIS to port events
Port data derives largely from AIS plus port-community and terminal systems, needing processing to derive calls, congestion and dwell. Coverage and definitions vary, so combining sources adds value, and the data is geospatial and temporal, requiring consistent referencing.
Cadence by use
Visibility wants near-real-time feeds while analysis uses batches, and derived events are usually the deliverable rather than raw positions.
- Ports are trade chokepoints; their data signals bottlenecks early.
- Combine vessel calls, congestion, throughput and dwell.
- Much derives from AIS plus port-community data and needs processing.
- Use near-real-time for visibility and batches for analysis.
Sources & further reading
- IMO and EMSA: maritime and port data.
- UNCTAD: port and maritime statistics.
- Port-community systems and AIS providers.
- Eurostat: maritime transport statistics.
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