GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jul 24, 2026

Vessel Turnaround Time

Vessel Turnaround Time is a core performance indicator in port logistics: it measures the time span from a ship's arrival at anchorage or the pilot station until departure after completed handling.

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Last updated: 24 July 2026

Source: https://sft-framework.unctad.org/key-performance-indicator/maritime-vessel-turnaround-time

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Logistics Concept

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Definition & Explanation

Vessel Turnaround Time is a core performance indicator in port logistics: it measures the time span from a ship's arrival at anchorage or the pilot station until departure after completed handling. It includes waiting time off the port, mooring at the berth, loading and unloading at the terminal, and official formalities. Organisations such as UNCTAD use the metric to compare port efficiency internationally: short turnaround times indicate productive cargo handling and well-aligned processes, while long times point to bottlenecks – for example during port congestion caused by clustered vessel arrivals. For shipping lines, every hour saved counts twice, because charter hire, fuel and crew costs keep running throughout the port stay; for forwarders, long turnarounds delay onward transport to the hinterland. Not to be confused with dwell time, which neutrally measures how long a unit remains at a location – vessel turnaround time is a performance indicator covering a ship's entire port call from arrival to departure.

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