WHETHER transporting oil, iron ore, steel, fertilisers or wood pulp, players increasingly rely on reliable data and in-depth analysis to make informed business decisions.

These companies must answer critical questions, like:

● What would be the best port to operate my ship?

● What ports offer the shortest waiting times?

● How can delays be avoided and costs reduced?

● How can opportunities be identified and future risks mitigated?

Challenges in data management

For different players, innovative data management solutions have become key to assertive decision-making. To achieve this, it is necessary to invest in innovation and well-structured data management. When all information is seamlessly connected, industry players, especially in the tramp shipping market, benefit from more reliable and predictable operations, providing greater efficiency throughout the logistics structure.

Today, amid massive amounts of data, information quality is paramount. In addition to data fragmentation and outdated data, data quality may be compromised by typing errors, incompatible formats and inconsistencies. Many companies still rely on old, complex systems, which makes it hard to integrate with new technologies and data management platforms.

A shortage of professionals with expertise in data analysis in the port and commodities industries, and in information management, is also a barrier to effective solutions. Therefore, access to reliable in-depth analyses based on real-time data, on the dynamics of global commodities, such as oil, grains and minerals, and port operations around these products, as well as price fluctuations, global supply and demand, and export and import flows, is pivotal.

It is worth noting that geopolitical events, such as conflicts, can impact trade flows and prices, not to mention climate emergencies like droughts and floods, and new industry regulations can affect operations.

In addition to this, interactive and dynamic BI (Business Intelligence) dashboards have become valuable tools. They transform raw data into objective information, providing the users with a clear and detailed view. Dashboards with insights related to past and future port activity, the dynamics of freight and commodity prices, and rain and wind scenarios, for example, enable real-time monitoring of operations in a user-friendly manner and provide valuable industry insights into tactical and strategic decisions, allowing companies to be more competitive and efficient. These dashboards can also anticipate market activity and future opportunities, identifying risks. Another plus is the reduction of operational costs, optimising routes and decreasing fuel consumption.

WS Connect: a solution

To address these challenges, Wilson Sons, a leading port and maritime logistics company in Brazil, has developed the exclusive WS Connect platform, an advanced step in data management and market intelligence for major global companies.

With WS Connect, the clients can track their vessels in real-time before they reach the ports, view operational and financial documents, and access photos and videos of the operation. The tool also enables users to access valuable market information and analyses through Market Intelligence materials, in addition to an updated lineup, tailor-made reports, and port handbooks with up-to-date data on restrictions at all Brazilian terminals, all presented in a comprehensive and easily accessible way.

By transforming information into valuable insights, WS Connect empowers clients to make strategic decisions with greater confidence in an increasingly competitive and complex shipping environment. Through customised analyses and high-quality data, Wilson Sons solidifies its position as a strategic partner, helping shipowners and charterers optimise their operations and seize new business opportunities.

Renan Queiroz is the commercial manager at the Shipping Agency of Wilson Sons, a leader in port and maritime logistics in Brazil