Captains:
Update 1.0.0.772 is here - and the upgraded Port Upgrade System is now live!
This means that the Port Upgrade System has received a major overhaul.
This update strengthens the strategic links between port investment, ship selection, and competition.
Different upgrades will not only affect your fleet efficiency, but also change how other players and AI companies use public ports.
Below you'll find information on how the Port Upgrade System works
▎ How It Works
Each port has 3 upgrade slots. Once an upgrade is purchased, it remains permanently active with no ongoing maintenance cost.
Some upgrades are mutually exclusive, so limited slots will force you to make choices.
If you want to change your strategy, you can reset a selected slot by paying 50% of that upgrade's investment cost.
Upgrades at public ports take effect for all players and AI companies.
In other words, the advantages you gain can also be used by your AI competitors.
▎ Upgrade Effects and Ship Tiers
Different upgrades affect small ships (T1–T2) and large ships (T4–T5) differently:
Upgrade | Effect on Small Ships (T1–T2) | Effect on Large Ships (T4–T5) |
|---|---|---|
P1 Deep-Water Berth | No effect; small ships can already berth normally | Unlocks berthing access, large ships cannot enter the port without this upgrade |
P2 Fast-Turnaround Berth | Major efficiency boost, fully leverages the fast loading and unloading advantage of small ships | Berthing prohibited, large ships cannot use this berth |
P3 Repair Dock | Maintenance time reduced by half | Maintenance time reduced by half |
P4 Automated Crane | Improves container handling efficiency | Improves container handling efficiency |
P7 Fuel Pipeline | Improves oil tanker loading and unloading efficiency | Improves oil tanker loading and unloading efficiency |
▎ Do you leave the door open for your competitors, or shut it completely?
Today's update means you will need to be careful when upgrading your ports: upgrade and allow large ships to enter your port will also mean access is opened to other players and AI companies. Or you could focus on improving the turnaround efficiency of small ships, but this will mean all large ships will be prevented from using the port.
Upgrade P1 Deep-Water Berth
Allows large ships to enter the port, but this access is also opened to large ships from other players and AI companies.
Upgrade P2 Fast-Turnaround Berth
Greatly improves the turnaround efficiency of small ships while preventing large ships from using the berth.
This means port upgrades are not simply about improving efficiency—they also determine what kind of fleet the port will favor in the future.
You can open the route to large ships and increase transport capacity, or build an advantage around small ships while restricting your competitors' large vessels.
Every upgrade changes the competitive landscape of the port.
Fair winds, Captains!