The berthing policies at many major ports, which admit vessels on a first-come, first-served (FCFS) basis, represent an additional incentive for the master to sail at full speed, thus increasing fuel consumption, even if it is almost certain that the vessel will have to dwell at anchor for several days before being admitted to a berth. Large maritime actors consider alternative contractual mechanisms, such as "Virtual arrival" project, that would allow the maritime transport industry as a whole to operate in a more environmentally responsible and economical manner. Virtual arrival project is about identifying delays at discharging ports, then managing the vessel’s arrival time at that port through well managed passage speed, resulting in reduced emissions but not reducing capacity. This paper investigates the general principles of "Virtual Arrival" and its practical application.