Date issued: September 5, 2024
Effective date: September 9, 2024
From: Harbour Master’s office
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is pleased to announce the rollout of the centralized scheduling system (CSS) in the First Narrows (TCZ-1). The system is designed to enhance transparency and visibility for all port users and facilitate coordination and collaboration between supply chain partners.
The launch of the CSS in the First Narrows follows the successful launch of the CSS in the Second Narrows TCZ-2 in 2023, and is a pivotal milestone and key deliverable of the Active Vessel Traffic Management (AVTM) Program, the port authority-led supply chain optimization initiative aimed at improving the overall safety, reliability, and fluidity of goods movements at the Port of Vancouver.
Rollout timeline
With the CSS now live in the First Narrows, the port authority strongly encourages all Tier 1 vessels to plan and request all TCZ-1 transits using the system as of Monday, September 9, 2024, to become familiar with the new transit request procedure.
On October 1, 2024, the use of the CSS will become mandatory, and all Tier 1 vessels planning a TCZ-1 transit will be required to be in receipt of a traffic clearance obtained via the CSS prior to transit.
Application
For the purposes of the use of the CSS and the TCZ-1 procedures, referenced from the port authority’s Port Information Guide, Tier 1 vessels refer to and include:
- All piloted vessels and tug and barge combinations when piloted, regardless of tonnage
- All non-piloted tug and barge combinations with a barge of 10,000 tonnes or more carrying capacity
- All non-piloted vessels including barges and articulated tugs and barges (ATBs) when in product
A TCZ-1 transit is defined as a movement within TCZ-1 that includes passing under the First Narrows Lions Gate Bridge.
Data and methodology
Port rules: The CSS applies port rules as published in the port authority’s Port Information Guide, section 8.15 First Narrows TCZ procedures (TCZ-1).
Transit windows: The CSS utilizes a dynamic 7-day forecast model, known as the NCOS forecast. The NCOS forecast predicts metocean and environmental conditions for the First Narrows including water levels, tides and currents. The NCOS forecast is the primary source of water level, tide and current predictions for vessel traffic movement-related decision-making for the operational planning and scheduling of Tier 1 vessel TCZ-1 transits.
Daily workflow
The following workflow outlines the operational procedure for requesting Tier 1 vessel transits:
- 13h00 (daily) – cutoff for adding transits for the following 24-hour period (15h00-15h00)
- 15h00 (daily) – preliminary schedule is available in the CSS platform’s traffic dashboard for the following 24-hour period (15h00-15h00)
- 19h00 (daily) – following the pilot order deadline, a revised schedule is available in the CSS
platform’s traffic dashboard - 15h00-15h00 (daily) – following the release of the preliminary and revised schedules, any available transit opportunities can be requested via the Central Scheduling System on a "short call’ basis – users are requested to contact the 24/7 Operations Centre to confirm transit after submitting via the CSS.
The port authority encourages advance vessel planning and coordination by accepting advance transit requests. Upon receipt of all Tier 1 transit requests (up to 7 days in advance of movement), the port authority will begin early planning of transit windows. The port authority will apply ‘locked’ status to transit requests, meaning the start time has been scheduled by the port authority, and is subject to change up until the preliminary schedule and revised schedules are released at 15h00 (daily) and 19h00 (daily) respectively.
In case of scheduling conflicts during the planning phases, the port authority may adjust vessel transit timing to allow for the most optimal use of tidal windows, by applying the TCZ-1 vessel traffic procedures (i.e., Order of Transit) to resolve conflicts. The port authority will only make these changes when they are essential and aim to provide sufficient advance notice.
If a vessel requests a transit after the daily preliminary and revised schedules are released, and this request conflicts with the existing schedule, the port authority will try to fit in all movements by applying the TCZ-1 vessel traffic procedures (i.e., Order of Transit). However, if the port authority cannot accommodate all movements safely, the port authority will provide a list of available slots and the vessel can choose one that suits its needs.
User support
To ensure the CSS maintains a high degree of security, multi-factor authentication is required to access the system. The port authority is currently registering users to the CSS and asks that you contact [email protected] to request access to the system.
Once the port authority has created your unique user account, you will receive emails requesting user registration instructions from OKTA and Microsoft. Upon receipt of these emails, please follow the instructions and ensure that the same email address is used to register for both OKTA and Microsoft accounts. Users should allow up to three (3) business days to receive access to the CSS user dashboard.
The port authority has staff available seven days a week to support with any login issues and with submitting vessel transit requests. Our technology partner, DHI Seaport OPX, is also standing by to support supervised vessel scheduling.
If you have any questions or require assistance to create your user account or to request your TCZ-1transit through the centralized scheduling system, please contact our 24/7 Operations Centre at 604-665-9086 or email [email protected]