What Is a Shipping Schedule?

A shipping schedule refers to a carrier’s planned arrangement for the deployment of vessels. It details:

Shipping schedules can be categorized based on the type of cargo:

  1. Container Shipping Schedule: Refers to the operational plan for container vessels.

  2. Bulk Shipping Schedule: Pertains to vessels carrying bulk commodities like coal, ores, etc.


Vessel Name / Voyage

A voyage represents the full cycle of a vessel carrying out a shipping task, from loading to transportation and unloading.

Key points:

  1. A voyage is the basic unit for evaluating a vessel’s productivity and operational efficiency.

  2. It encompasses all production stages: loading, sailing, and unloading.

  3. For passenger or cargo vessels, a voyage starts from the completion of unloading at the previous port and ends after unloading at the new destination.

  4. Voyages are continuous unless interrupted by maintenance.

  5. A round-trip without cargo return counts as one voyage, while a loaded return counts as two.

The duration of a voyage is known as voyage time.


Four Phases of a Voyage

  1. Pre-Voyage Stage: Sailing to the loading port

  2. Loading Stage: Berthing and cargo loading

  3. Sailing Stage: Transporting goods to the unloading port

  4. Unloading Stage: Berthing and unloading at the destination


Types of Voyages

1. Based on Operation Type

2. Round-Trip Voyages


Voyage Planning

Voyage planning involves detailed safety and operational arrangements from departure to arrival at port.

Core contents include:

Effective planning ensures safety and operational efficiency.


What Are Ocean Routes?

Ocean routes are pathways vessels follow between ports during maritime transport.


Characteristics of Ocean Routes

Ocean routes serve as logistical links in the global transport network. Their design considers cargo flow, vessel type, and port capability. They are naturally formed and involve relatively low infrastructure investment compared to land transport systems.


Types of Ocean Routes

1. Based on Navigable Waters

2. Based on Seasonal Availability

3. Based on Capacity and Cargo Volume

4. Based on Operational Structure

5. Based on Sailing Frequency

6. Based on Navigation Technique

7. Based on Weather Conditions

The optimal route is one that balances time, safety, and efficiency.


Formation of Ocean Routes

Ocean routes are shaped by several factors:

  1. Safety: Avoiding storms, currents, reefs, and ice

  2. Cargo Volume: Higher demand makes a route more viable

  3. Port Conditions: Depth, climate, storage, connectivity, and costs

  4. Technical Factors: Minimizing fuel use and sailing time

  5. Geopolitical and Economic Policies: International relations, trade policies, and regulations also play a key role

Choosing the right route is crucial for maritime transport efficiency.