What Determines the Number of Vessels in the Schedule
The number of vessels that can be accommodated in the schedule depends on the mix (types and dimensions of vessels); draft; Canal conditions, and the vessel’s restrictions in the canal. For this reason, the number of vessels varies from day to day.
What Determines the Order in Which Vessels Begin and/or Finish Their Transit?
For non-booked vessels, their arrival time determines their turn in transit in relation to other non-booked vessels. Booked vessels are also arranged in a way that all comply with the 18-hour in-transit-time requirement. Once it is determined which vessels rate to transit on a particular day (booked and non-booked), the scheduler will arrange them in the best possible order in order to optimize the Canal’s capacity, also taking into account the transit restrictions of each vessel.
What Are Some Of The Causes For Schedule Changes
The daily schedules are constantly affected by many factors, including the following:
- Changes in vessel status: vessles not ready for transit; change in order, etc
- Changes in vessel’s ETA
- Changes in the restrictions of the vessels due to cargo or visibility,
- Changes in the draft
- Deficiencies of the vessels.
- Weather (fog, rain)
- Delays at the locks
- Pilot availability
For Further information please access the below link and click on «Vessel Scheduling FAQs»