What Is a Shipping Schedule?
A shipping schedule refers to a carrier’s planned arrangement for the deployment of vessels. It details:
What type of ship is being used
When the ship will depart and arrive
The itinerary from the port of origin to the destination
Shipping schedules can be categorized based on the type of cargo:
Container Shipping Schedule: Refers to the operational plan for container vessels.
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:
A voyage is the basic unit for evaluating a vessel’s productivity and operational efficiency.
It encompasses all production stages: loading, sailing, and unloading.
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.
Voyages are continuous unless interrupted by maintenance.
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
Pre-Voyage Stage: Sailing to the loading port
Loading Stage: Berthing and cargo loading
Sailing Stage: Transporting goods to the unloading port
Unloading Stage: Berthing and unloading at the destination
Types of Voyages
1. Based on Operation Type
Simple Voyage: Transport between two ports
Complex Voyage: Involves multiple ports with intermediate loading/unloading
2. Round-Trip Voyages
One-Way Round-Trip: Loaded outbound, empty return
Two-Way Round-Trip: Loaded both outbound and return
Complex Two-Way Round-Trip: Includes additional operations at multiple ports
Voyage Planning
Voyage planning involves detailed safety and operational arrangements from departure to arrival at port.
Core contents include:
Updated nautical charts and reference materials
Navigation equipment inspection
Crew and cargo preparations
Fuel, water, and daily supplies
Route selection and timing
Navigation strategies for critical areas
Weather and sea condition forecasts
Destination port info: pilotage, channels, communication
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
Ocean-Going Routes: Cross multiple oceans (e.g., China to the U.S. or Europe)
Coastal Routes: Between domestic ports (e.g., Shanghai to Dalian)
Near-Sea Routes: Between neighboring countries (e.g., China to Japan)
Round-the-World Routes: Combine the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans
2. Based on Seasonal Availability
Seasonal Routes: Adjusted for ocean currents and monsoons
Year-Round Routes: Operate consistently regardless of season
3. Based on Capacity and Cargo Volume
Mainline Routes: Serve major hub ports with large container vessels
Feeder Routes: Serve smaller regional ports, often using small vessels
4. Based on Operational Structure
Direct Routes: No intermediate port calls
Transshipment Routes: Involve cargo transfer at intermediate ports
5. Based on Sailing Frequency
Liner Routes: Fixed schedule, port calls, and cargo types
Tramp Routes: Flexible, based on charter contracts and cargo availability
6. Based on Navigation Technique
Great Circle Route: Shortest path between two points on Earth
Constant Bearing Route: Easiest for navigation but not shortest
Parallel Route: Used for locations on the same latitude
Hybrid Route: Combination to avoid hazards and optimize safety
7. Based on Weather Conditions
Climatic Routes: Based on seasonal ocean patterns and prevailing winds
Weather Routes: Adjusted in real-time according to forecasts
The optimal route is one that balances time, safety, and efficiency.
Formation of Ocean Routes
Ocean routes are shaped by several factors:
Safety: Avoiding storms, currents, reefs, and ice
Cargo Volume: Higher demand makes a route more viable
Port Conditions: Depth, climate, storage, connectivity, and costs
Technical Factors: Minimizing fuel use and sailing time
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.