Container Terminals

This paper is a contribution to define a complete and modular model of processes in container terminals, which can be used for simulation, test, monitor and control purposes. A schematic description of the main terminal processes is given, by specifying the resources handling containers in the Taranto container terminal. Then a Petri net formalizes the sequence of operations, each involving the synchronization of resources, for the transshipment process, the efficiency of which seem to be the key to obtain good performances

Due to its capital intensive nature, the efficient management of container terminals is essential in achieving the optimal benefit from the investments made. Albeit the investments in container terminal are made to improve the efficient management of the operations, when the expected handling volumes are not met, there is a risk that said investments can be rendered obsolete. Thereby while the outlook of the decision makers on the cargo potential is important, arrangement of the resources at hand in accordance with this outlook is also crucial. However, there is a need for methodological tools that can help the decision makers set the target output without hampering the efficiency. In this study, through the combined application of super efficiency data envelopment analysis and regression analysis, a model for determining the output level for efficient container terminals was developed. The model was applied to 17 container terminals in Turkey that had over 50000 TEU of container throughput in the year of 2016 and target outputs were evaluated thereafter according to several investment scenarios. Findings of this study reveal that among the selected ports, Marport, TCE Ege and MIP are at the top of the ranking list based on the super efficiency model. The regression analysis applied subsequent to efficiency analysis provides coefficients of the inputs, enabling the calculation of the target outputs after inserting the potential investment values. The regression model that has emerged from efficiency data of 17 container terminals can be used as a tool to evaluate target outputs. It is believed that port managers can validate their investment decisions based on this tool as it would provide the new target output after the changes in inputs.

The continuous success of container terminals in a highly competitive environment depends on their ability to compendiously evaluate their activities and to produce effective solutions for the required areas. At this point, there is a need for a comprehensive performance measurement model where terminal activities can be evaluated in a multifaceted way. In particular, given the high throughput volume of the Marmara Sea terminals, there is a lack of a specific model for this region. This study aims to address this deficiency by developing a holistic multi-dimensional framework, Container Terminal Performance Evaluation Method (CTPEM). The theoretical roots of this study go through a three-pillar structure formed by Transaction Cost Economies, Resource-Based View, and Corporate Social Responsibility Theory and consider the opinions of industry professionals. Analytical Network Process, which takes into account the interdependencies among dimensions, is incorporated into the CTPEM model to highlight the priorities of performance dimensions. Results show that Logistics & Operational dimension is the first with 33.7%, Corporate Social dimension is remarkably the second with 31.2% overtaking Financial dimension with 26.7%, which is an exceptional case. The environmental dimension with a concern is given a short shrift with 8.3.