Methodological development for improved maritime statistics with Big Data

Purpose and goal

The purpose of the project has been to improve maritime statistics using position data for vessels. The goals (all met) have been to develop validated methods for the following data processings. -Create a high-solution distance matrix between Swedish ports and calculate the distances between Swedish and foreign ports. -Produce relevant data on arrivals to each Swedish port during a limited time. -Calculate the number of vessels crossing a given passage line during a given time period. -Calculate total vehicle mileage for different types of vessels and different geographical areas.

Expected results and effects

The results of the project form a methodological foundation for future implementation of the methods. The expected effects of an implementation are improved quality of the maritime statistics and lower production costs, production of new and relevant statistics, and reduced response burden for the ports. The project also contributes with a more general development of knowledge and experience of position data, which eventually can lead to future innovation in areas unrelated to shipping.

Planned approach and implementation

The project has been conducted as a co-operation between Statistics Sweden (SCB) and Transport Analysis. Transport Analysis is responsible for the official statistics in the transport and communication sectors, including maritime statistics. It is the main recipient of the project results. SCB has contributed with expertise in the use of GIS for production of statistics, data science, and statistical methods. A reference group with representatives from relevant state authorities and research institutes has guaranteed the quality of the project deliveries.