Virtual Arrival: a voluntary scheme to reduce ship emissions

Virtual arrival is said to be a scheme under which different parties within the logistics chain cooperate in order to achieve efficient steaming of ships. Common practice within the industry involves sailing at full speed to the destination port. Often though, due to congestion or other operational reasons, ships need to wait significantly before having access to the destination quay. This results in further port congestion and increased ship emissions.

Virtual Arrival is also a way of reducing emissions by taking advantage of known inefficiencies in the supply chain and reducing speed when the terminal is not ready to discharge the cargo. In case of known delays at the destination port, the ship reassesses its optimal speed and route so that it maximises fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, while arriving at port at the right time.

The voluntary scheme is already in operation within the liquid bulk shipping industry.