VV Trade
Introduction
We collect cargo mile demand from combining real-time vessel movements with a variety of data and algorithms.
VV Trade is a real-time vessel trade and cargo mile analysis tool.
It provides data and analytics to support decisions on investments, trading and vessel operations. Cargo mile demand is calculated at the vessel level and provided at any level of granularity needed (i.e. for individual vessel, owner, global fleet, port, trading route and country level).
This methodology document will explain how we derive cargo miles, stoppage statuses and vessel
journeys.
What is cargo mile demand?
Vessel cargo mile demand = laden distance travelled x cargo quantity carried
Cargo quantity is calculated in VV Trade by using the TPC (tons per centimeter) logic where possible, where vessels have an assigned TPC figure used to estimate the carried cargo from the reported draft. In the absence of this, for Bulkers, Tankers, Small Dry and Reefers, the vessel’s cargo capacity is multiplied by a constant (0.95, or 95% of the vessel’s capacity). For Gas, Containers and Vehicle Carriers, we assume 100% of the vessel’s CBM, TEU or CEU capacity.
For Cruise vessels, we calculate passenger miles as an alternative measure of demand to cargo miles.
Passenger mile demand = distance travelled x vessel's passenger capacity (PAX) x a utilization factor (100%)
How does VV collect cargo mile demand data?
We collect cargo mile demand from combining real-time vessel movements with a variety of data
and algorithms.
Satellite and terrestrial AIS (Automatic Identification System) data informs the current and historical location of the vessel and reported draft (see below for list of items in AIS):
Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) number
IMO number
Radio call sign
Name
Type of ship
Dimensions
Location of positioning system on ship
Draft
Destination ETA
Date stamp
Captain’s report
Our vessel database informs the cargo carrying capacity of the vessel, survey schedule, laden/ballast draft and dimensions. See the separate document, The Data of VesselsValue. This explains the methodology of the vessel database and valuations. Our location database identifies load/discharge ports, bunkering areas, dry-dock locations, layup areas, etc.
We input data into our algorithms to identify journeys. We define a journey as the set of locations
and timestamps between.
Identifying laden/ballast status
Identifying if the vessel is laden is complicated by inaccurate/delayed reporting of the draft in
the captain’s report of the AIS signal. We use the reported draft, combined with data on the laden draft depths for every vessel, as one indicator of the vessel being laden. However, we also use proprietary algorithms to analyze the probabilities of ports being for loading or discharging for different vessel types. The combination of these two metrics allows accurate estimation of the laden statuses of each vessel in the global tanker and bulker fleet.
Stoppages
The algorithm also analyses the speed, time and location of vessels slowing to determine the nature of the stoppages. Recorded stoppages are listed below, grouped by their type. Stoppages that signify cargo movements are designated as one of the three below stoppage types.
Load
Discharge
Cargo Operations
Waiting stoppages occur prior to the relevant cargo movement stoppages listed above, as long
as certain speed, time and location criteria are met.
Waiting to Load
Waiting to Discharge
Waiting for Cargo Operations
The below stoppages are based primarily on the location of vessel at the time of the stoppage.
In Shipyard
In Transit
Floating Storage
Bunkering
Laid Up
The below stoppages occur whilst the vessel is at sea and are determined by the speed and duration of the stoppage.
At Anchor
Idle
Drifting
Sea Trials is a dedicated stoppage type for vessels that have yet to start trading.
Sea Trials
Journeys
Identifying journeys is complicated by partial discharges, transshipments, bunkering, waiting, dry-docking and other stoppages shown above.
Our algorithms eliminate the effects of these complications so that all journeys are accurately
measured.
Vessel Movements
For operational and logistical reasons, vessels rarely sail from a load port to the discharge port at a steady speed. Our analysis of AIS voyage data shows a wide range of decreases in speed, stoppages and other events that detract from simply recording a voyage as from A to B uninterrupted. Indeed, to do so would produce a less accurate average speed for the interrupted voyage. We use logic to determine the underway section of the voyage to produce an average speed on the voyage. As with cargo miles, this is built up from vessel level to sector and global fleet level.
All information subject to the Terms and the Disclaimer: https://www.vesselsvalue.com/legal/