Greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping can be abated with coordinated work to address the causes of port delays, our new research indicates.

We argue that the International Maritime Organization should encourage the sharing of real-time traffic information and address the problem of government officials who cause delays in port.

Idle time represents inefficiencies in relation to all transport systems.

In aviation, rail and trucking, advanced traffic management systems help drivers choose more optimal routes and avoid congestion. This enables them to reduce waiting time, fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions — to the benefit of everyone.