Glossary
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Example H2
Supply Chain Glossary
INCOTERMS
ISO 14083
Import duty
In-gauge cargo
Inbound logistics
Inbound visibility
Inland transport request
Intermodal transportation
International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC)
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Inventory turnover
LCL Freight
Last mile delivery
Late submission
Laytime
Lead logistics provider (LLP)
Less-than-truckload (LTL) freight
Letter of indemnity
Load / discharge confirmation
Load / loading of container
Load board
Load list
Load optimization
Load tender
Logistics 4.0
Logistics document management
Logistics route optimization
Logistics service provider
Logistics visibility
Manifest corrector
Marine insurance
Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)
Master Bill of Lading (MBL)
Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
Merchant haulage
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
Multimodal transport
Neopanamax Ship
Network / vessel capacity
Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC)
Off dock storage
On-time in-full (OTIF)
Order accuracy
Order lead time
Out-of-gauge cargo
PAPS number
PARS number
POD (Port of Discharge)
POL (Port of Loading)
Packing list
Panamax Ship
Port
Port call
Port congestion
Port of Entry (POE)
Port pair
Post Panamax Vessel
Re-export
Real-time transportation visibility (RTTV)
Reefer container
Release reference number
Reverse logistics
Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) shipping
Route plan
SCAC Code
Safety stock
Sanctions screening
Scope 3 emissions
Sea Waybill
Seal
Shipment
Shipment visibility
Shipper
Shipping Alliances
Shipping Instruction
Shipping lanes
Shipping manifest
Short shipment
Slotting
Special cargo
Special equipment
Stockout
Stowage
Supplier risk management
Supply chain 3.0
Supply chain 4.0
Supply chain automation
Supply chain collaboration
Supply chain control tower
Supply chain data
Supply chain finance (SCF)
Supply chain network design
Supply chain resilience
Supply chain risk management
Supply chain traceability
Supply chain visibility
Supply planning
Terminal
Terminal departure report (TDR)
Terminal move
Published: 

Blank sailing

What is a Blank Sailing?

Blank sailing is a term used in the shipping and logistics industry to describe the situation when a shipping line cancels a scheduled port call or an entire voyage. This can happen for various reasons, such as low demand for shipping services, operational issues, or unforeseen circumstances like bad weather or port congestion.

Causes of Blank Sailings

Blank sailings can occur due to several reasons, including:

  • Low Demand: When there is insufficient demand for shipping services, carriers may cancel sailings to avoid operating at a loss. This helps maintain freight rates and reduces the costs associated with running underutilized vessels.
  • Operational Issues: Mechanical problems with vessels, labor strikes, or issues at ports can force shipping lines to cancel scheduled sailings. These operational disruptions require immediate attention and often lead to blank sailings.
  • Weather Conditions: Severe weather, such as storms or hurricanes, can make it unsafe for vessels to sail. To ensure the safety of the crew and cargo, shipping lines may cancel voyages or skip stops during such conditions.
  • Port Congestion: When ports are congested, vessels may face significant delays. To manage schedules and avoid further delays, shipping lines may opt to cancel some sailings.
  • Schedule Adjustments: Shipping lines may adjust schedules to align with new service patterns, seasonal demand fluctuations, or route changes, leading to the cancellation of some sailings.

Impact of Blank Sailings on the Supply Chain

For supply chain and logistics professionals, blank sailings can present significant challenges. These cancellations can lead to delays in the delivery of goods, disrupting production schedules and inventory management. To mitigate the impact, professionals often need to quickly find alternative shipping solutions, adjust timelines, or communicate with stakeholders about potential delays.

How to Manage Blank Sailings

Effective management of blank sailings involves proactive planning and communication. Supply chain professionals can mitigate risks by:

  • Diversifying Shipping Options: Working with multiple carriers or routes to avoid reliance on a single shipping line.
  • Real-Time Tracking: Using advanced tracking systems (like Beacon) to monitor shipments and receive early notifications of any disruptions.
  • Contingency Planning: Developing contingency plans that outline alternative shipping methods and backup suppliers.