shipsthe

Shipsthe is a term used here to describe a hypothetical, standardized protocol for coordinating end-to-end maritime and intermodal shipments. It specifies a machine-readable itinerary, carrier capabilities, port constraints, and handoff points, enabling synchronized planning and execution across multiple vessels, terminals, and logistics providers.

The term combines ship and scheduling concepts to emphasize sequencing of multiple ships along a single voyage, and is treated here as a defined standard rather than a generic practice.

A shipsthe plan comprises voyage information (origin, final destination, intermediate ports), time windows, vessel specifications, cargo requirements, and constraint sets. It defines events such as departure, arrival, berth assignment, and transfer, and supports versioning and auditable change logs.

It relies on a shared API layer and a common data schema to allow carriers, terminals, and freight forwarders to exchange plans in real time, including rules for sequencing ships, re-optimizing routes in response to delays, and handling disruptions with alternative handoffs.

Proponents argue that shipsthe can reduce dwell times, improve vessel utilization, and increase forecast reliability, while critics point to data sharing, cybersecurity, and the need for broad international standardization among diverse stakeholders.

Related topics include intermodal transport, logistics standardization, and supply chain security.