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The Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) has announced the results of the Voyage Consistency & On-Time Arrival Award (VCOTA) program, which recognizes international container shipping lines for their reliability in scheduling and consistent service to the Seattle-Tacoma gateway. From December 2025 to May 2026, the Gemini Cooperation, a partnership between Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, secured first place and a cash prize of $333,333 for its outstanding performance under the WC4 | TP5 services.
High-performing shipping lines in focus
The Gemini Cooperation recorded only one missed voyage during the 26-week evaluation period and had an average arrival delay of just five hours compared to the pro forma estimated arrival time. The shipping lines MSC and SM Line were also recognized for their performance, finishing in second and third place, respectively. However, both shipping lines did not qualify for monetary awards as their average delays exceeded the 24-hour threshold.
MSC’s „California Express“ service recorded no missed voyages throughout the entire 26 weeks and provided a continuous connection to markets in Latin America and the Mediterranean. SM Line’s PNS service also had only one missed voyage and demonstrated the second-highest sailing frequency in the program, as well as the highest frequency among all trans-Pacific services.
Ryan Calkins, Co-Chair of the NWSA and President of the Seattle Port Commission, stated:
“The Northwest Seaport Alliance extends its sincere gratitude to the Gemini Cooperation, MSC, and SM Line for their outstanding participation in the VCOTA program. When a ship arrives on time, everyone benefits – terminals operate more efficiently, trucks move faster, and cargo reaches its destination as scheduled.”
Importance of reliability for the supply chain
Reliable ship arrivals are crucial for efficient port operations. On-time arrivals positively impact the entire supply chain, enabling the NWSA to provide top-notch service. The benefits on land include:
– Consistent departure times that allow exporters to plan around reliable earliest return dates (ERDs).
– Improved cargo flows at terminals, facilitating faster ship turnarounds and better berth utilization.
– Enhanced workforce planning for terminal operators, reducing idle time and overtime costs.
– Shorter truck wait times, as container placement in the yard is less congested and appointment windows for gate bookings become more predictable.
– Predictable flows of railcars that keep container dwell times low and reduce overlay costs for cargo owners.
Given the ongoing disruptions and volatility in global supply chains, both importers and exporters are increasingly prioritizing schedule integrity. The VCOTA program reflects the NWSA’s commitment to promoting and rewarding shipping line behaviors that best support supply chain resilience.
Continuation of the program until 2027
The VCOTA program, now in its third year, has been extended until 2027. On June 2, 2026, the executive members of the NWSA approved a commitment of $1 million for the 2026-27 program cycle. The upcoming program will be divided into two equal periods, from July to December and from January to June, maintaining the semi-annual structure that allows shipping lines and stakeholders to track progress throughout the year.
