Cargill Pilot Delivers 51 Tonne CO2 Savings Per Voyage | Mariner News
Cargill’s port call optimisation pilots have demonstrated significant emissions reductions, delivering estimated savings of up to 51 tonnes of CO2 per voyage. This development, detailed in a new report by the Global Maritime Forum, underscores the tangible decarbonisation potential of operational efficiency without requiring new vessel technology.
The pilots encompassed 16 voyages across three distinct locations in Brazil and Australia. The core methodology involved adjusting a vessel’s sailing speed to ensure arrival precisely when its berth became available, thereby eliminating unnecessary waiting time at anchor and reducing fuel consumption.
At Cargill’s grain terminal in Santarém, Brazil, ten voyages yielded total estimated savings of 222 tonnes of CO2, averaging approximately 22 tonnes per voyage. The Port of Newcastle in Australia saw five voyages achieve an average of 51 tonnes of CO2 savings per voyage. These higher savings were partly aided by favourable currents, which allowed some vessels to drift towards the port rather than maintaining engine power.
This evidence points to a critical shift in voyage planning, moving away from the traditional ‘hurry up and wait’ model. The successful implementation of port call optimisation necessitates enhanced real-time data sharing and collaboration among charterers, vessels, and port authorities. Such coordination can not only reduce emissions but also improve port efficiency by optimising pilot and tug scheduling, ultimately leading to more predictable terminal throughput.
The varying levels of savings across locations, from an average of 22 tonnes in Santarém to 51 tonnes in Newcastle, highlight that while the principle is universal, the specific impact is highly dependent on port-specific conditions, typical waiting times, and dynamic environmental factors. This suggests future optimisation efforts will increasingly rely on adaptive, real-time decision-making that integrates weather and current data.
The findings offer a compelling case for wider industry adoption, potentially influencing future bunker clauses in charter parties and accelerating the integration of just-in-time arrival protocols across global trade lanes.
