Tide Signal Tools
Voyage ETA Calculator
Estimate sailing time, operational ETA, speed scenarios, bunker consumption and voyage fuel cost from a single maritime calculation panel.
Voyage Inputs
Enter voyage distance, speed, allowances and bunker assumptions.
Speed curve estimate
Optional estimate using a cubic speed-consumption relationship.
Voyage Result
ETA, sea time, fuel estimate and commercial view.
Enter distance and speed to calculate the voyage estimate.
Speed Scenario Table
Compare time, ETA, fuel and bunker cost across nearby speeds.
| Speed | Sea Time | Sea ETA | Fuel | Bunker Cost | Cost / NM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enter voyage data to generate scenarios. | |||||
Voyage ETA Calculator for Maritime Planning
The Tide Signal Voyage ETA Calculator is designed for quick maritime voyage estimates where distance, vessel speed, weather allowance, waiting time and bunker assumptions all affect the operational picture. A simple distance divided by speed calculation is useful, but commercial shipping often needs a clearer view of sea time, practical distance, arrival window and fuel cost.
This tool helps shipping professionals, students, analysts and maritime readers estimate voyage duration in days and hours, calculate an expected ETA from a selected departure date and compare different speed scenarios. It is especially useful when reviewing chartering exposure, bunker cost sensitivity, vessel performance, route planning or operational updates.
Speed, Fuel and Bunker Cost Estimates
Vessel speed is one of the most important variables in voyage economics. A higher speed may reduce sailing time, but it can also increase fuel consumption and bunker cost. The calculator can use a simple daily consumption input, or an optional speed curve estimate based on a cubic relationship between speed and fuel consumption. This makes the output more useful when comparing several speed alternatives.
The bunker cost section allows users to enter daily consumption in metric tons per day and bunker price in USD per metric ton. The result gives an estimated total fuel consumption, estimated bunker cost and fuel cost per nautical mile. These figures are indicative and should not replace vessel performance data, noon reports, charter party terms, bunker delivery notes or official voyage instructions.
Operational ETA vs Sea ETA
The calculator separates pure sea ETA from operational ETA. Sea ETA is based on the practical voyage distance and average speed. Operational ETA also includes optional waiting or port allowance. This distinction is important because a vessel may complete the sea passage at one time but still face waiting, congestion, berth availability, weather delays or operational restrictions before the voyage is commercially complete.
Related Tide Signal Reading
For wider maritime context, read our guides on pre-stowage planning in shipping and war risk premiums in shipping. For official international maritime information, users may also consult the International Maritime Organization.
