Mitigating The Risk of Vessel Schedule Reliability in Shipping

Vessel schedule reliability is crucial for effective global maritime transport, as delays can disrupt trade and supply chains. This study examines key causes of schedule unreliability, including port congestion, weather disruptions, mechanical issues, and regulatory delays. It proposes a strategic framework to mitigate these risks through digital tools like real-time tracking, AIS, IoT sensors, and predictive analytics for proactive voyage planning. Emphasis is placed on predictive maintenance, Just-In-Time port arrivals, and port call optimization to reduce turnaround times. Additionally, flexible fleet structures, standardized operations, and skilled crew support consistent performance. Collaboration among shipping lines, ports, and logistics partners, along with continuous KPI-based monitoring, is essential to improve schedule reliability and overall maritime efficiency.