Median time spent in port by ships worldwide by segment 2021

Between 2018 and 2021, the median time spent in a port for all vessel types increased. During this period, container ships spent the least amount of days in a port—some 0.8 days in 2021—due to the ease with which containers can be loaded and unloaded from a container ship. In contrast, dry bulk carriers spent about 2.11 days in a port in 2021.

Increase in port turnaround bad for business

The amount of time a vessel spends in a port is an important indicator of the efficiency of port operations. The less time a ship spends in a port, the more ships can be processed in a given port, leading to an increase in profitability and a trade in general. Due to labor shortages and port closures following COVID-19 outbreaks, many ports all around the world were not able to handle the usual ship traffic. This resulted in blank sailings, container vessel delays, and port congestions, most notably in China.