Collaboration at the ports: how connected systems reduce congestion

Global ports are busier than ever, handling record container volumes despite economic fluctuations.

Yet congestion remains a recurring challenge. Ships queue outside harbours, containers pile up in yards, and trucking appointments get rescheduled.

 

While many see congestion as a physical infrastructure issue, a large part of the problem lies in uncoordinated communication between stakeholders.

Without shared visibility into cargo status, vessel schedules, and documentation flows, bottlenecks are inevitable.

 

The communication gap at ports

 

1. Carriers update vessel arrivals separately from port authorities

2. Forwarders chase both parties for confirmation while also liaising with customs agents

3. Truckers often wait until the last minute for clearance or appointments

4. Importers have limited visibility into when they can expect cargo at their warehouses

 

Each works with different systems, often exchanging information via email or phone calls, which slows responses and creates duplication.

 

Consequences of disjointed workflows

 

1. Cargo idling in yards for days waiting for clearance.

2. Truck queues outside terminals due to rescheduled pick-ups.

3. Increased operational costs from delays and overtime.

4. Erosion of trust between trading partners.

 

The case for collaborative digital systems

 

When documentation and communication are centralised on a single platform, congestion can be mitigated:

 

1. Real-time vessel and cargo status enables all parties to plan resources accurately.

2. Linked documentation flows ensure customs, delivery orders, and invoices are aligned before cargo arrives.

3. Integrated trucker notifications reduce wasted trips and idle waiting at gates.

4. Shared dashboards allow importers, forwarders, and shipping lines to view the same information simultaneously.

 

Global examples

 

1. In Singapore, port community systems link carriers, shippers, and regulators in real-time, reducing vessel turnaround and yard dwell times.

2. In Europe, digital cargo release pilots have shown that collaborative workflows can reduce average container dwell time by 20–30 percent.

 

Where ODeX fits

 

As part of this wider ecosystem, platforms like ODeX play a bridging role—connecting shippers, forwarders, and shipping lines on documentation and payments.

By reducing delays in the “paper layer,” ODeX helps ports avoid unnecessary congestion that arises purely from admin bottlenecks..

 

Conclusion

 

Congestion will always exist where physical limits are tested—but much of today’s delay is digital, not physical. By connecting systems and enabling collaboration, ports and their stakeholders can transform the way cargo moves.

It is not just about bigger terminals or more cranes, but smarter connections. With ODeX facilitating smoother documentation and payment flows, congestion can be reduced significantly, ensuring ports run closer to their true capacity.