Container ships can reduce CO2 emissions by an average of 14% if they arrive JIT (Just in Time) at their destination port.

The idea is that ships en route adjust their sailing speed to the time that the berth, the waterway, and nautical services such as pilots and tugboats are available. In this way, they avoid waiting times and unnecessary CO2 emissions at the port of arrival. This is the outcome of a new study of the Green Voyage project 2050 of the International Maritime Organization ( IMO)

The IMO calls jit „an important tool“ for ships to achieve their CO2 classification. This system, in which ships receive a CO2 label, will be introduced soon, according to the UN organization. The maritime organization sees „right on time“ as a complement to SEEMP, the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan, which requires ships to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the study, just a little JIT can make a big difference. A ship that adjusts its sailing speed during the last 24 hours of the voyage to the availability of services in the destination port can still save almost 6% in fuel and CO2 emissions. For the last twelve hours, it is more than 4%. The 14% saving applies if the entire voyage is sailed JIT.