Shipping consultancy Drewry has launched an innovative monthly Schedule Reliability report, exclusively for subscribers of its weekly Container Capacity Insight.
The new report introduces advanced metrics designed to provide a more accurate and practical assessment of vessel schedule adherence, addressing longstanding challenges faced by shippers and beneficial cargo owners (BCOs).
Unlike conventional methods that track schedule reliability based on arrival times set just 15 days in advance, Drewry’s approach locks in scheduled arrival times up to six weeks ahead, the freight cost benchmarking and procurement arm has said.
Hellenic Shipping News reports that this shift aligns with the real-world planning horizons of shippers, enabling them to evaluate service reliability against the schedules provided at the time of booking, rather than revised schedules issued after cargo is already loaded.
In a further departure from traditional metrics, the report incorporates a frequency distribution of vessel delays, moving beyond simplistic on-time percentage figures.
This nuanced analysis reveals whether delays are tightly clustered or widely spread, offering BCOs clearer insights into potential supply chain disruptions. Such data empowers shippers to better estimate necessary inventory buffers and manage associated costs.
Philip Damas, head of Drewry’s Supply Chains practice, said: “By combining ‘average on-time performance’ with ‘distribution of delay’ metrics, we’re providing shippers with a tool that mirrors how they assess reliability and delay risks in practice. This is a significant step forward in supporting informed decision-making.”
The Schedule Reliability addendum enhances Drewry’s suite of tools aimed at helping customers assess and mitigate risks in ocean freight procurement and vendor management.
The report is now available to Container Capacity Insight subscribers, reinforcing Drewry’s commitment to delivering actionable intelligence to the shipping industry.
