--- title: "PortExplorer: Tugboat Market Intelligence | LionRock" description: PortExplorer provides towage market intelligence from AIS activity, helping tugboat operators benchmark ports, demand, competitors, and fleet opportunities. image: https://lionrockmaritime.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/optimized/lionrock-solution-portexplorer-dashboard.webp --- [Skip to Content](https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution/portexplorer#body) [![Lionrock Maritime Logo](https://lionrockmaritime.com/hubfs/LionRock-Logo-Liggend-Payoff-Svg.svg "Lionrock Maritime Logo")](https://lionrockmaritime.com/) Toggle Menu - [Solutions](https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution) Toggle children for Solutions - [PowerCaptain](https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution/powercaptain) - [PortCaptain](https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution/portcaptain) - [PortExplorer](https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution/portexplorer) - [FuelExplorer](https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution/fuelexplorer) - [EmissionExplorer](https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution/emissionexplorer) - [TugIO](https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution/tugio) - Resources Toggle children for Resources - [Reports](https://lionrockmaritime.com/report) - [Knowledge Base](https://lionrockmaritime.com/kb) - [Blog](https://lionrockmaritime.com/tugboat-news) - [CO2-Reduction Calculator](https://lionrockmaritime.com/co2reductioncalculator) - [Pricing](https://lionrockmaritime.com/pricing) - [Contact](https://lionrockmaritime.com/contact) - Open Search Search Submit Search - [Talk to Sales](https://lionrockmaritime.com/demo) ![PortExplorer](https://lionrockmaritime.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/optimized/lionrock-solution-portexplorer-dashboard.webp?width=1440&height=856&name=lionrock-solution-portexplorer-dashboard.webp) Solution # PortExplorer Transparency on tugboat operations with PortExplorer   Port Explorer provides data-driven intelligence to help you understand towage operations, track market trends, and benchmark competitor activity in any port worldwide. PortExplorer gives commercial teams towage market intelligence based on observed tug and vessel activity, not assumptions. By mapping ship assists, operators, terminals, fleet utilization, and demand patterns, it helps teams understand the tugboat market in each port and make better decisions about customer targeting, market entry, and tug capacity planning. Our powerful analytics transform raw data into actionable strategies, allowing you to optimize fleet deployment and develop profitable new business opportunities. Executive answer ## How do you analyse the tugboat market in a specific port? Tugboat market analysis starts with AIS data: every vessel call, tug assist and operator movement in a port is already observable. PortExplorer turns those movements into market share by operator, demand by terminal, peak concurrency and fleet utilisation — so you can see which port trends are structural and which are temporary. [Open market tracking](https://lionrockmaritime.com/report/market-tracking-dashboard)[Review tug capacity](https://lionrockmaritime.com/report/tug-capacity-tool)[Use market data API](https://lionrockmaritime.com/lionrock-market-data-api-knowledge-base)[Read fleet expansion guide](https://lionrockmaritime.com/tugboat-news/tugboat-fleet-expansion-with-market-insights) [Get started today](https://lionrockmaritime.com/demo) [Skip Navigation](https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution/portexplorer#after-page-nav) - [Introduction](https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution/portexplorer#introduction) - [Benefits](https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution/portexplorer#benefits) - [Reports](https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution/portexplorer#reports) - [Case Study](https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution/portexplorer#case-study) - [Implementation](https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution/portexplorer#how-it-works) - [FAQ's](https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution/portexplorer#faq) Introduction ## Unique insights into tugboat operations in any port in the world Data and information about tugboat operations in a port is often not available. This makes it difficult to track market trends, assess competitor activity, and identify profitable growth opportunities. Without clear insights and commercial assessment tools, businesses risk making costly decisions based on assumptions rather than facts. ![LionRock Maritime Problem Icon](https://lionrockmaritime.com/hubfs/LionRock%20Maritime%20Problem%20Icon.svg) ### From... Fuel waste due to unnecessary consumption can come from different sources. Without transparency and data, however, you: | ❌ | **Manual logging of job events** Dispatchers spend time logging competitor jobs. Crew on board logs job time stamps. It is tedious work that requires a logging system and is often not complete or accurate. | | --- | --- | | ❌ | **Wasted time on gathering market intelligence** Commercial and bizdev teams waste time on gathering market intelligence that is unavailable, incomplete, and inaccurate, instead of building customers relationships | | ❌ | **Loss-giving new business** Ever won a new business where the financials were less rosy than the business case projected? Without accurate market insights mapped to your operation, you might be targeting losses |     ![LionRock Maritime Solution Icon](https://lionrockmaritime.com/hubfs/LionRock%20Maritime%20Solution%20Icon.svg) ### …To PowerCaptain relies on Data Analytics and Performance Feedback. It will enable:  | ✅ | **Automated and accurate market intelligence** Our software tracks ship assist and other tug activity including accurate timestamps automatically and continuously in any port in the world | | --- | --- | | ✅ | **Empowered commercial teams** Let your commercial teams do what they do best; build lasting customer relationships. While we provide the nitty gritty market insights they need | | ✅ | **Profitable growth** With factual market insights and our commercial tools you can target customers and market expansions that drive profitable growth |     Start with PortExplorer today ## Unlock Powerful Towage Insights Today PortExplorer provides unique and actionable insights to help tugboat operators navigate business growth in ports with confidence. With PortExplorer, you gain unparalleled visibility into tugboat operations in any port in the world, allowing you to make smarter decisions and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive industry. ✅   **Track market trends** – Stay ahead of competitor activity and port developments ✅   **Make informed growth decisions** – Enter new ports with data-backed strategies ✅   **Optimize fleet deployment** – Reduce idle time and maximize efficiency   [Get Started Now](https://lionrockmaritime.com/contact) Benefits ## Unlock operational efficiency at the source Unlock operational efficiency, port intelligence, and strategic growth—without disrupting your existing workflows. [Schedule a Demo](https://lionrockmaritime.com/demo) ### Reduce Costs & Maximize Efficiency Avoid unnecessary fuel consumption and optimize your fleet deployment. With **data-backed insights**, you can minimize idle time, reduce costs, and improve overall operational efficiency. ### Confident Market Expansion Thinking of entering a new port? Our analytics help you **understand local dynamics, identify key players, and assess towage demand**, reducing risks before making big decisions. ### Instant Insights Without Complex Systems No need for expensive hardware or complex setups - Port Explorer delivers **real-time port intelligence** straight to your dashboard, helping you make smarter decisions effortlessly. ### Seamless Integration & Real-Time Updates Port Explorer works with existing data sources, ensuring **continuous updates without disruptions**. No downtime, no delays - just actionable intelligence when you need it. PortExplorer Reports ## Operational insights that matter ![Market Traking Dashboard - PortExplorer - LionRock Maritime Resource](https://lionrockmaritime.com/hs-fs/hubfs/reports/2_1%20Market%20Traking%20Dashboard%20-%20PortExplorer%20-%20LionRock%20Maritime%20Resource.webp?width=2375&height=1699&name=2_1%20Market%20Traking%20Dashboard%20-%20PortExplorer%20-%20LionRock%20Maritime%20Resource.webp) ### Market Tracking Dashboard The **Market Tracking Dashboard** offers a centralized view of towage market behavior across terminals, ship types, and operators. [Learn More](https://lionrockmaritime.com/report/market-tracking-dashboard) ![2_2 and 3_2 Tug Capacity Tool- PortExplorer and Port Captain - LionRock Maritime Resource](https://lionrockmaritime.com/hs-fs/hubfs/reports/2_2%20%20and%203_2%20Tug%20Capacity%20Tool-%20PortExplorer%20and%20Port%20Captain%20-%20LionRock%20Maritime%20Resource.webp?width=2375&height=1699&name=2_2%20%20and%203_2%20Tug%20Capacity%20Tool-%20PortExplorer%20and%20Port%20Captain%20-%20LionRock%20Maritime%20Resource.webp) ### Tug Capacity Tool **Tug Capacity Tool** offers critical visibility into how tugs are utilized, across customers, port zones and operational scenarios. [Learn More](https://lionrockmaritime.com/report/tug-capacity-tool) ![Coming Soon](https://lionrockmaritime.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Coming%20Soon.webp?width=1440&height=856&name=Coming%20Soon.webp) ### Customer Value Tool Coming soon [Learn More](https://lionrockmaritime.com/report/customer-value-tool) ![Coming Soon](https://lionrockmaritime.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Coming%20Soon.webp?width=1440&height=856&name=Coming%20Soon.webp) ### Business Case Support Coming soon [Learn More](https://lionrockmaritime.com/report/business-case-support) ## Included ### PortExplorer Reduce operational costs and waste. --- Pricing [Talk to sales](https://lionrockmaritime.com/demo) **Plan Includes** | | Market Tracking Dashboard | | --- | --- | | | Tug Capacity Tool | | | Customer Value Tool | | | Business Case Support |   ## Interesting Add-ons For your operational excellence | | (Most Popular) PowerCaptain | PortCaptain | FuelExplorer | EmissionExplorer | TugIO | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | [Speed Monitoring Dashboard](https://lionrockmaritime.com/report/speed-monitoring-dashboard) | [Cost Leadership Tool](https://lionrockmaritime.com/report/cost-leadership-tool) | [Fuel Pricing Tool](https://lionrockmaritime.com/report/fuel-pricing-tool) | [Emission Monitoring Tool](https://lionrockmaritime.com/report/emission-monitoring-tool) | [Job Level Data](https://lionrockmaritime.com/report/job-level-data) | | | [Performance Feedback tool](https://lionrockmaritime.com/report/performance-feedback-tool) | [Tug Capacity Tool](https://lionrockmaritime.com/report/tug-capacity-tool) | [Captain Fuel Index](https://lionrockmaritime.com/report/captain-fuel-index) | Emission Verification Tool | [Maneuver Data](https://lionrockmaritime.com/report/maneuver-data) | | | [Fuel Waste Monitoring Dashboard](https://lionrockmaritime.com/report/fuel-waste-monitoring-dashboard) | Customer Value Tool | [Tugboat Fuel Index](https://lionrockmaritime.com/report/tugboat-fuel-index) | | | | | | | | | | Can't decide? The great team at LionRock Maritime is here to help! [Reach Out Now](https://lionrockmaritime.com/demo) ![LionRock Maritime smart Data analytics](https://lionrockmaritime.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/optimized/lionrock-portexplorer-smart-data-analytics.webp?width=960&height=571&name=lionrock-portexplorer-smart-data-analytics.webp) Case Study ### Case Study: Fairplay Towage Expands into the Canary Islands with Port Explorer When Fairplay Towage Group set its sights on expanding into the **Canary Islands**, it faced a critical challenge: **a lack of reliable data on towage demand, fleet utilization, and competitor activity**. Without clear insights, the risks of entering a new market were high. Would there be enough demand? Were existing operators overserving the region? What resources would be required to compete effectively? To answer these questions, **Fairplay Towage turned to Port Explorer**. Our platform analyzed **two years of AIS data**across Canary Island ports, delivering detailed insights into: **✅  Towage job volumes** at each port, broken down by ship type, size, and terminal **✅  Fleet utilization patterns** of existing operators, including service gaps and inefficiencies **✅  Fluctuations in market demand**, identifying seasonal trends and peak periods **✅  Tug requirements** based on vessel types and operational needs **✅  Key customers in the region**, highlighting potential business opportunities Armed with these insights, **Fairplay Towage was able to make informed strategic decisions**. They identified the best entry points, optimized their fleet strategy, and confidently pursued expansion. Despite initial licensing challenges, they successfully established operations in the Canary Islands in **2020**, securing a strong foothold in the region. **Turning Market Uncertainty into Strategic Advantage** Fairplay Towage’s success demonstrates the power of **data-driven decision-making** in maritime expansion. With **Port Explorer**, they transformed **market uncertainty into a strategic advantage**, ensuring a smooth and profitable entry into a new region. [Find out how you can get there too](https://lionrockmaritime.com/demo) Get started today ## Transform Tugboat Operations with Data-Driven Insight From fuel savings to market expansion, LionRock Maritime helps you navigate smarter decisions and build a more efficient, competitive fleet. [Let’s Talk – Schedule a Call with Our Experts](https://lionrockmaritime.com/demo) How it works ## How we implement PortExplorer into your operations ![LionRock Step 1](https://lionrockmaritime.com/hubfs/LionRock%20Step%201.svg) ### Basic set-up For the port or ports of interest we set-up an AIS data feed with either own receivers or through 3rd party. The ports geofenced and basic parameters set-up. ![LionRock Step 2](https://lionrockmaritime.com/hubfs/LionRock%20Step%202.svg) ### Market data We provide you with detailed towage market information; jobs, operators, trends in volumes, major shiptypes etc. Everything you need to get a good understanding of the market in question ![LionRock Step 3](https://lionrockmaritime.com/hubfs/LionRock%20Step%203.svg) ### Business development tools We dont stop at just data. We have developed a suite of business development tools and reports that will enable you to optimize business development and commercial decision making Testimonials ## See what others have to say after working with us “With this program I have certainly adjusted my cruising speed to lower levels because of the awareness raised. Before my default speed was at 650 RPM and now I have reduced that to 550 RPM”                                                                            ![Marcel de Graaff Fairplay Towage - LionRock](https://lionrockmaritime.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Marcel%20Fairplay.webp?width=120&height=120&name=Marcel%20Fairplay.webp) **Marcel de Graaff** Tugboat Captain at Fairplay Towage “LionRock helps us effectively manage our fleet. The program makes our crews and operators to be conscious of their impacts while performing work.  We have seen real reductions in fuel consumption across all our operations.” ![Jonathan Archer at Moran - LionRock](https://lionrockmaritime.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Jonathan%20Moran.webp?width=120&height=120&name=Jonathan%20Moran.webp) **Jonathan Archer** Regional Manager at Moran “The speed tracking report allows us to navigate more efficiently and therefore more environmentally responsible - a profitable course for both Mutraship and our planet.”                                                                                                   ![Justin Pasman - Multraship - LionRock](https://lionrockmaritime.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Justin%20Multraship.webp?width=120&height=120&name=Justin%20Multraship.webp) **Justin Pasman** Tugboat captain at Multraship The Power Captain program by LionRock Maritime helped us reduce our sailing speeds and thereby our fuel consumption and emissions significantly as well as structurally in just a matter of weeks.                                                    ![Ricardo Faggiani at Medtug - LionRock](https://lionrockmaritime.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Ricardo%20Medtug.webp?width=120&height=120&name=Ricardo%20Medtug.webp) **Riccardo Faggiani** Program Implementation Coordinator MedTug “The speeding program is a fun project. It brings something to your attention of which you were latently already aware.” Frans was one of the first captains to use the PowerCaptain solution and started already in 2018 and still going strong today. ![Frans Jorna at Fairplay - LionRock](https://lionrockmaritime.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Frans%20Fairplay.webp?width=120&height=120&name=Frans%20Fairplay.webp) **Frans Jorna** Tugboat Captain at Fairplay Towage We Have Answers ## Frequently Asked Questions Get clear answers on our solutions, implementation, and how we help you improve tugboat efficiency and performance. ### What you need to know How does Port Explorer collect market data on a port? Port Explorer uses **AIS data from multiple sources** to analyze port activity. Our software detects patterns between tugs and ships, including cargo ships, cruise liners, and tankers. This data is transformed into actionable insights for your expansion and operational decisions. How far back can you analyze port activity? We can analyze data as far back as AIS records allow, with most reports covering **up to three years of historical data**. This helps operators track trends, fluctuations, and long-term port dynamics. How accurate is your software in tracking tug jobs? Our tracking software has been rigorously verified, achieving **98-99% accuracy** when comparing our data with real-world operations. This ensures that you get reliable insights to optimize your business. We already get market data from the port authority. What additional value does Port Explorer provide? Port authority data typically provides total vessel calls, but it **lacks detailed operational insights**. Port Explorer goes deeper, analyzing the **exact number of tug jobs, traffic patterns, fleet utilization, and demand fluctuations** at a terminal, daily, weekly, or yearly level. This level of detail is critical for **accurate market sizing and strategic planning**. Can Port Explorer help with market expansion? Yes! Our platform identifies **underutilized opportunities, competitive dynamics, and demand trends** in any port worldwide. This allows you to assess **new markets with confidence**, reducing risk and optimizing investment decisions. How can I analyze the tugboat market in a specific port? PortExplorer breaks down towage activity port by port: job volumes, active operators, market share, and demand trends - all derived from AIS data. Instead of relying on static industry reports, you see how a port's towage market actually moves month by month. What tugboat market data does PortExplorer provide? PortExplorer covers ship-assist volumes, operator market shares, port dynamics, and growth opportunities across ports worldwide. It is designed for towage companies evaluating expansion, benchmarking their position, or preparing commercial negotiations with terminal customers. Get a Demo ## Get Better Port Insights with PortExplorer! Discover how PortExplorer can help you make smarter, data-driven decisions for your operations. Whether you're optimizing fleet deployment, exploring new markets, or tracking industry trends, our platform delivers the insights you need—fast and reliably. **Get a personalized demo to:**✅   Discover how AIS data helps optimize sailing speeds ✅   See real-world fuel savings from similar operations ✅   Learn how captains engage with weekly performance reports   ##### **Book your free demo today and start saving!** [Request a Demo today](https://lionrockmaritime.com/demo) [![LionRock Maritime Logo Aternative](https://lionrockmaritime.com/hubfs/LionRock%20Maritime%20Logo%20Aternative.svg "LionRock Maritime Logo Aternative")](https://lionrockmaritime.com/) [IJsbaanpad 2](https://maps.app.goo.gl/s5CM2jqG2Bu4pDoAA)[1076 CV, Amsterdam](https://maps.app.goo.gl/s5CM2jqG2Bu4pDoAA) [+31 (0)6 144 59 097](tel:+31614459097) ###### Contact Us [rick.broersma@lionrockmaritime.com](mailto:rick.broersma@lionrockmaritime.com) © 2026 LionRock Maritime B.V.  ###### Solutions - [PowerCaptain](https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution/powercaptain) - [PortCaptain](https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution/portcaptain) - [PortExplorer](https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution/portexplorer) - [FuelExplorer](https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution/fuelexplorer) - [EmissionExplorer](https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution/emissionexplorer) - [TugIO](https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution/tugio) ###### Resources - [Reports](https://lionrockmaritime.com/report) - [Knowledge Base](https://lionrockmaritime.com/lionrock-market-data-api-knowledge-base) - [Blog](https://lionrockmaritime.com/tugboat-news) - [CO2 Reduction Calculator](https://lionrockmaritime.com/coming-soon) ###### Legal - [Legal Notice](https://lionrockmaritime.com/legal) - [Privacy Policy](https://lionrockmaritime.com/privacy-policy) - [Terms & Conditions](https://lionrockmaritime.com/hubfs/General_Terms_%26_Conditions_LionRock_Maritime.pdf) - [Pricing](https://lionrockmaritime.com/pricing) - [Contact](https://lionrockmaritime.com/contact)   [Have a question? Feel free to reach out. We love to hear from you!](https://hello.lionrockmaritime.com/contact) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "SoftwareApplication", "applicationCategory" : "BusinessApplication", "description" : "PortExplorer provides global towage market intelligence, covering port activity, competitor moves, and growth opportunities, built on AIS data.", "name" : "PortExplorer", "operatingSystem" : "Web", "provider" : { "@type" : "Organization", "name" : "LionRock Maritime", "url" : "https://lionrockmaritime.com/" }, "url" : "https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution/portexplorer" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://lionrockmaritime.com/", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution", "name" : "Solutions", "position" : 2 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://lionrockmaritime.com/solution/portexplorer", "name" : "PortExplorer", "position" : 3 } ] } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "

Port Explorer uses AIS data from multiple sources to analyze port activity. Our software detects patterns between tugs and ships, including cargo ships, cruise liners, and tankers. This data is transformed into actionable insights for your expansion and operational decisions.

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We can analyze data as far back as AIS records allow, with most reports covering up to three years of historical data. This helps operators track trends, fluctuations, and long-term port dynamics.

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Our tracking software has been rigorously verified, achieving 98-99% accuracy when comparing our data with real-world operations. This ensures that you get reliable insights to optimize your business.

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Port authority data typically provides total vessel calls, but it lacks detailed operational insights. Port Explorer goes deeper, analyzing the exact number of tug jobs, traffic patterns, fleet utilization, and demand fluctuations at a terminal, daily, weekly, or yearly level. This level of detail is critical for accurate market sizing and strategic planning.

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" }, "name" : "We already get market data from the port authority. What additional value does Port Explorer provide?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "

Yes! Our platform identifies underutilized opportunities, competitive dynamics, and demand trends in any port worldwide. This allows you to assess new markets with confidence, reducing risk and optimizing investment decisions.

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PortExplorer breaks down towage activity port by port: job volumes, active operators, market share, and demand trends - all derived from AIS data. Instead of relying on static industry reports, you see how a port's towage market actually moves month by month.

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PortExplorer covers ship-assist volumes, operator market shares, port dynamics, and growth opportunities across ports worldwide. It is designed for towage companies evaluating expansion, benchmarking their position, or preparing commercial negotiations with terminal customers.

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