Information update:: Ships Expected Predictions Policy
Posted by Forth & Clyde Control on 28-11-2025 10:59
I have now began a new policy with regards to Ships Expected.
Prior to this change, shipping arrivals and departures were governed by a mix of port authority (Clydeport for Clyde moments) and AIS destination changes.
Now destination changes alone will not govern announcements, however vessels bound for the Clyde or Forth, though un-announced or formally added, will be visible in the AIS map as soon as they bear a home port destination. But adding them formally and via board announcement will only take place if they are on the move, not in port... this is necessary to cut down on repeated announcements: for example, a ship may be in Hamburg and have a home port destination, but could remain in Hamburg for days before setting off...this also happens with container vessels to the Clyde that may be 'resting' in Liverpool or Belfast, making prediction a hit and miss affair.
Clydeport's scheduling is, to be blunt, erratic, and this can cause multiple instances of one vessel's announced ETA which is not only confusing but a waste of page space if repeated...therefore, announcements in the official schedule will only be added for depatures, regardless, but arrivals will have to tally with a vessel actually on the move to the Clyde.
The Forth's movements are not comparable as there is no official schedule, so they will remain an indicator, but again, arrivals will only be announced if the ship is clearly on the move and heading for the Forth.
I hope this makes for a more useful service to visitors of the site, and will endeavour to make announcements appropriately, i.e. first thing in the morning or as and when a ship is suddenly visible and imminent.
Prior to this change, shipping arrivals and departures were governed by a mix of port authority (Clydeport for Clyde moments) and AIS destination changes.
Now destination changes alone will not govern announcements, however vessels bound for the Clyde or Forth, though un-announced or formally added, will be visible in the AIS map as soon as they bear a home port destination. But adding them formally and via board announcement will only take place if they are on the move, not in port... this is necessary to cut down on repeated announcements: for example, a ship may be in Hamburg and have a home port destination, but could remain in Hamburg for days before setting off...this also happens with container vessels to the Clyde that may be 'resting' in Liverpool or Belfast, making prediction a hit and miss affair.
Clydeport's scheduling is, to be blunt, erratic, and this can cause multiple instances of one vessel's announced ETA which is not only confusing but a waste of page space if repeated...therefore, announcements in the official schedule will only be added for depatures, regardless, but arrivals will have to tally with a vessel actually on the move to the Clyde.
The Forth's movements are not comparable as there is no official schedule, so they will remain an indicator, but again, arrivals will only be announced if the ship is clearly on the move and heading for the Forth.
I hope this makes for a more useful service to visitors of the site, and will endeavour to make announcements appropriately, i.e. first thing in the morning or as and when a ship is suddenly visible and imminent.