Empirical Study on Productivity Indicators and the Impact of the Dwell Time Factor on the Capacity of Container Ports

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to propose a model to evaluate the dynamic capacity of the container port based on productivity indicators. From another hand, this paper seeks to explore the impact of dwell-time factor on the capacity of container port. The methods of calculation are referenced to Carl. Thoresen, Kap Kim et Gûnter, Rademaker, Ligteringen. The methods were tested, applied and validated by different international organization and projects such as UNCTAD and KALMAR. Ports and container terminals are a vital link in the intermodal transport system, container shipping runs on constant change. In nowadays, studies on productivity and capacity analysis are of a major concern. Experts, managers, academics, and all the port community require work on activity assessment in order to take better decisions especially those of investment and economic concern. Studies that identify factors that influence on economic decision making of container ports, those related to its capacity and investments are few. This research attempts to fill this gap by establishing a model that allows to better analyze the productivity of container ports and in particular to look at on how dwell-time can improve the dynamic capacity of the port. The results confirm the negative relationship between capacity and dwell time factor and the positive relationship between gross crane productivity and quay capacity. Productivity factors improve the capacity of the port/terminals. The dwell time factor is a crucial factor that hugely effect on the terminal productivity and its capacity. The interconnectedness of the factors is a key feature through this analysis. Various indicators have been estimated throughout this research.