Introduction:
Port calls constitute a central component of global maritime logistics, as they influence vessel turnaround times, cargo handling efficiency, and the reliability of the overall supply chain. Despite international guidelines such as ITPCO (International Transport and Port Call Optimization), operational procedures vary considerably between ports. The aim of this study is to systematically analyse port call processes across selected representative ports in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, and Europe in order to identify differences as well as potential areas for optimisation.
Methodology:
The present study examines port call processes through a comparative analysis of ten selected ports, comprising one small and one large port per continent: Durban and Casablanca in Africa, Los Angeles and Honolulu in the Americas, Shenzhen and Basuo in Asia, Melbourne and Broome in Australia, as well as Rotterdam and Aalborg in Europe. The analysis is based on publicly available information from the respective port websites and the specialist publication Guide to Port Entry. Five key aspects were investigated: port size, port call guidelines, the application of ITPCO-defined timestamps, communication structures, and operational coordination between involved stakeholders. Based on these analyses, a classification framework was developed to systematically capture similarities and differences between the ports. The methodology therefore combines a structured comparison of current practices with a critical evaluation in order to clearly structure the main aspects of port processes and identify optimisation potential.
Results:
The analysis demonstrates that the level of detail in process descriptions is heterogeneous, ranging from limited to highly detailed, thereby indicating considerable differences in the degree of standardisation of operational procedures across the examined ports. With regard to temporal process structures, the findings reveal only a partial implementation of standardised timestamps. While the Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) is communicated consistently in all ports, other relevant timestamps, including process-related milestones, are recorded systematically only to a limited extent. In addition, the communication structures can predominantly be characterised as analogue to hybrid, as operational coordination is still largely conducted via VHF radio or telephone. Digital systems are generally employed only as supplementary tools, primarily in the preliminary stages of service booking and administrative coordination. Consequently, the overall level of operational coordination can largely be classified as low to moderate, as integrated and continuous coordination between all involved stakeholders is only partially achieved. Overall, the findings suggest that the incomplete standardisation of timestamps, combined with only partially digitalised and fragmented communication structures, reduces the predictability, transparency, and operational efficiency of port call processes.
Originality:
This study provides a cross-continental comparative analysis of port call processes, an area that has received only limited attention in the existing literature to date. In doing so, key aspects relevant to port calls are integrated within a unified analytical framework. On this basis, specific efficiency deficits can be identified, and potential avenues for process and operational optimisation can be derived. Overall, the study establishes a robust foundation for further research as well as for the development of approaches aimed at enhancing the efficiency of port call processes.
