Enabled Digitalization of Container Vessel Navigation and U.S. Port Operations Using Real-Time AIS and Operational Data for Shipping and Supply Chain Optimization

The global marine supply chain is being digitized at an increasing rate due to instant visibility of shipping vessels and real-time port operations' data. Traditionally, vessels (particularly container vessels) have been navigated and operated at U.S. ports, by various means of disparate, reactive decision making. As vessels become more congested and face delays, fuel inefficiencies, and supply chain risk and uncertainties, there has been a growing demand for data driven optimization of the vessel and port operations. This research presents a digitalization framework that provides integrated real-time data using real-time automatic identification systems (AIS) and Port operations' data to improve situational awareness, predictive decision making, and optimize an overall end-to-end supply chain. This framework incorporates various methodologies such as data fusion, trajectory prediction models generated with Machine Learning techniques, and models for optimizing Port calls to improve the scheduling of vessels, berthing allocations, and the turnaround times of service vessels. This study's methodology included the integration of data from the AIS stream with data from terminal operations, berth availability, and hinterland logistics into a unified decision support system (DSS). The quantitative evaluations conducted in this study indicated improvements in the accuracy of predicting vessel arrival times, reductions in port congestion, and greater operational resiliency during disruptive events. Digitally enabled navigation and port integration have the potential to greatly improve efficiency, sustainability, and reliability throughout the global shipping and port systems. The findings of this study provide a practical application for port authorities, shipping companies, and other stakeholders to modernize their operations and enhance the performance of their supply chains.