D2.2 Blueprint of port call processes

The port call process constitutes a critical element of maritime supply chains and plays a pivotal role in shaping their overall efficiency, environmental performance, and long-term viability. Against the backdrop of increasing demands for sustainability, economic efficiency, and technological advancement, it has become essential to systematically evaluate existing operational procedures and to identify targeted areas for improvement. Within the framework of the DYNAPORT project, deliverable D2.2 Blueprint of Port Call Process aims to develop a comprehensive target model for an idealised port call process. This blueprint is intended to demonstrate how future port calls can be designed to be more efficient, sustainable, and resilient. In doing so, it considers both the prevailing operational conditions in selected partner ports and the technical solutions already devised within the project. The conceptual foundation of this target model is provided by deliverable D2.1, which assessed the current state of port call processes across a range of ports. This assessment was based on on-site investigations and sought to identify operational challenges, capacity constraints, and systemic barriers. The findings revealed that the nature and extent of these issues are closely linked to the type of port and its infrastructural configuration. At the same time, a number of common challenges were identified across multiple locations, primarily relating to systemic and infrastructural deficiencies. These included a lack of standardised procedures, limited harmonisation of operational processes across stakeholders, and insufficient integration of information flows. In addition to these cross-cutting issues, port-specific challenges were also observed. These included regulatory constraints unique to particular ports, and divergent stakeholder interests, both of which were found to significantly impede the smooth coordination of port call operations. As part of deliverable D2.1, several potential solutions were proposed. Among these were the introduction of standardised communication and coordination mechanisms between stakeholders, the optimisation of logistical workflows, and the harmonisation of technical and infrastructural systems across ports. The insights derived from D2.1 form the basis for the elaboration of the target model in D2.2. Building upon the comprehensive assessment of the current state, D2.2 develops an ideal-type port call concept that integrates modern technologies and optimised operational procedures. The overarching objective is to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of port logistics systems. Central to this effort is the development of a practical and forward-looking blueprint that offers concrete recommendations for overcoming the challenges identified in the earlier analysis. Given the heterogeneous organisational structures of seaports and the increasing complexity of port operations, particularly at larger sites with multiple stakeholders, the conceptual focus was placed on developing a transferable blueprint. The aim is to provide a structured target concept that can be flexibly applied across ports of varying sizes and characteristics. This allows the proposed measures to be adapted to local conditions and gradually integrated into existing operational processes. At the core of this approach is not only the depiction of an idealised port call process. The blueprint also explicitly considers the diversity of port types and their specific organisational and operational conditions. In doing so, it enables port authorities and associated actors to implement targeted solutions that address local requirements while contributing to overarching objectives such as increased efficiency, transparency and sustainability. To enhance both the transferability and practical applicability of the concept, the blueprint is structured into three functional layers: The Contracts and Regulations Layer, the P3C Layer (Port Call Coordination Centre), and the Operations Layer. This tripartite structure reflects the different dimensions of the port call process and provides a transparent framework for modular implementation. - The Contracts and Regulations Layer forms the legal and normative foundation. It encompasses national legislation, international regulations, bilateral agreements, and contractual frameworks between port authorities, shipping companies, and other stakeholders. This layer ensures that the blueprint can be implemented in compliance with existing legal structures while allowing room for context-specific adaptation. - The P3C Layer serves as the communication and coordination hub for the port call process. This layer involves the collection, processing and distribution of information related to planned and ongoing ship arrivals. As a digital communication platform, the P3C ensures that all relevant parties – including port authorities, pilots, terminal operators and service providers – have access to consistent, up-to-date and relevant information. This contributes significantly to reducing uncertainty, avoiding waiting times and optimising resource allocation. - The Operations Layer represents the practical level where port call processes are executed. It contains concrete recommendations, standardised procedures and technical interface solutions that can be directly applied in day-to-day operations. As such, this layer bridges the gap between strategic concept development and practical implementation. This layered structure not only enhances the conceptual clarity of the blueprint, but also facilitates its systematic and scalable application. Depending on the development stage, scale and strategic orientation of a given port, individual layers can be prioritised or jointly developed. In this way, the blueprint becomes a flexible tool that accommodates the complex realities of modern port logistics, while providing a shared reference framework for improved coordination, transparency and operational efficiency. To further advance the realisation of the blueprint, a set of complementary strategies and methods is proposed, addressing both the institutional and operational dimensions of implementation. These strategies range from the contractual level to the organisational, technological, and procedural domains. At the technological level, the integration of interoperable data architectures, standardised port call protocols, and secure digital infrastructures ensures a consistent, reliable, and timely flow of information among all actors. At the procedural level, mechanisms such as timeslot allocation, Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) monitoring and updating, the dynamic adjustment of service sequencing and resource scheduling, as well as the consistent use of standardised time stamps, enable precise, transparent, and coordinated management of port call operations. Continuous updating of time stamps helps to reduce planning uncertainty, anticipate bottlenecks, and optimise operational decision-making in real time. In addition, iterative evaluation mechanisms, feedback loops, and performance metrics contribute to a learning-oriented, data-driven improvement process. In summary, these strategies and methods constitute a comprehensive pathway for realisation that complements the structural design of the blueprint. They ensure that its conceptual robustness is matched by practical feasibility and international interoperability, thereby supporting sustainable transformation across contractual, organisational, and operational contexts. In the subsequent project phase, the blueprint developed in this deliverable will serve as the basis in particular for deliverable D6.2 Integrated Simulation and KPI Development. In this deliverable, a set of operational scenarios will be defined for medium-sized to large ports. These scenarios are intended to model various operating conditions and optimisation measures. By applying predefined Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), the effectiveness of the proposed solutions in improving port call performance will be quantitatively assessed. The simulation-based approach will enable a robust evaluation of the potential impacts under realistic conditions, thereby supporting evidence-based decision-making.