Glossary
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Example H2
Supply Chain Glossary
ABC analysis
Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN)
Agile supply chain
Air waybill (AWB)
Arrival notice
Automatic Identification Systems (AIS)
Backhauling
Backorder
Bayplan
Beneficial Cargo Owner (BCO)
Bill of Lading (B/L)
Blank sailing
Blind shipment
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Booking request
Buffer stock
Bulk cargo
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CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight)
Cargo release
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Carrier
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Certificate of origin
Commercial invoice
Commodity
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Consignee
Consignment inventory
Consignor
Container freight station
Container grade
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Cross docking
Customer
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DAP (Delivered At Place)
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)
DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid)
DPU (Delivered At Place Unloaded)
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Deadheading
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Depot
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Digital twin
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Discharge / Discharging of container
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Dock receipt
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Drop shipping
EDI booking
EORI number
ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)
EXW (Ex Works)
Economic Order Quantity (EOQ)
Electronic Product Code (EPC)
Empties
Equipment
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Event
Exception
Expedited freight
FAS (Free Alongside Ship)
FCA (Free carrier)
FOB (Free on board)
Feeder operator
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Fill rate
Financial clearance status
Flags of Convenience
Fourth Party Logistics (4PL)
Freight forwarding
Freight visibility
Full truckload (FTL) freight
GLEC framework
Gate-out
German Supply Chain Act
Global Trade Item Number (GTIN)
Goods Receipt Note (GRN)
Haulage equipment
Haulage requirements
Haulage type
Haulier
House Bill of Lading (HBL)
Hub and spoke model
INCOTERMS
ISO 14083
Import duty
In gauge cargo
Inbound logistics
Inland transport request
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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.