Port of Rotterdam Introduces Geofence for Just-In-Time Arrivals

The Port of Rotterdam has introduced a geofence system to streamline ship movements, marking the initial phase of its Just In Time (JIT) sailing initiative. This project aims to cut down on vessel wait times in port, thereby reducing emissions.

The geofence, an invisible perimeter around Rotterdam’s port, serves as an unofficial boundary for this system. It is set 240 nautical miles from the Maascenter buoy, and when a ship crosses this boundary, it is assigned an arrival time, entering what is known as the “inland shipping port-passage planning area.” At this point, port authorities and shipping agents coordinate the vessel’s exact docking schedule to minimize time in port.

By promoting just-in-time arrivals, this system has demonstrated a 4.23% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions for ships, making it a key step in enhancing port efficiency and environmental performance.