Economic Evaluation of Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) Based on Survey Data and I.O. Analysis

Zeng Luling,Ren Lvzhen,Jiang Zhengxiong,Duan Xingfeng

doi:10.11648/j.ajtte.20210605.12

Abstract

The functions of VTS are to ensure the security of waterways in the port, improve the efficiency of vessel navigation and avoid the pollution of the water, which is an important approach to water traffic management. It has apparent achievements in enhancing port operation efficiency and promoting the development of related industries. As a public service, the investment and operation cost of VTS is high. It has significant indirect economic and social benefits but relatively small direct economic benefits or profits. There is a lack of a unified method for the quantitative assessment of the VTS economic benefits. It is a meaningful topic that should be further explored in theoretical research. This paper analyzes and evaluates the connotation of VTS economic benefits and defines the scope of direct and indirect economic benefits. The direct economic benefits are classified with the specific business of VTS to establish a basic model, and sampling analysis is used to measure them in the application. For indirect economic benefits, the Input-Output Analysis (I-O) is used to measure them. The operational data of the Tianjin VTS is used as an example for verification. The correct understanding and evaluation of direct and indirect economic benefits generated by VTS is an inherent requirement to reflect the operational performance of VTS objectively and provides a scientific decision-making basis for the continuous investment and operation of VTS.

Highlights

Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) is a system established by port administration to implement traffic control and provide consulting services to vessels, ensure the security of waterways, improve traffic efficiency, and protect the water environment
The correct understanding and assessment of the economic benefits generated by the operation of VTS are meaningful to objectively reflect the operational performance of VTS and provide a scientific decision-making basis for the continuous investment and operation of VTS
According to the vessels voyage records of Tianjin VTS, the average entry and exit time per vessel were sampled and counted several times for each month in 2012 and 2013, and the average value was 99.58 minutes; in 2014 and 2015, after the opening of the compound channel, the average time per vessel was reduced to 76.33 minutes

Summary

Introduction

Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) is a system established by port administration to implement traffic control and provide consulting services to vessels, ensure the security of waterways, improve traffic efficiency, and protect the water environment. It collects and processes information to provide traffic surveillance, information service, navigation advisory, traffic organization, and supports joint operations. It improves channel usage efficiency and reduces the risk of traffic accidents and environmental pollution by dynamically monitoring and organizing vessels traffic flow. The investment and operation of VTS are characterized by enormous investment costs, a long construction period and high operation and maintenance costs. It has significant indirect economic and social benefits but relatively small direct economic benefits or profits.

Methods

Results

Conclusion