Impact of Dry Port on Seaport Competitiveness

Abstract

Ports play an important role in connecting individuals in need of logistics services with organizations that provide logistics services. Rather of being merely transshipment hubs. Ports have recently evolved into integrated logistics centers with a continuous transport chain, with these developments primarily relying on the supply chain systems of major port operators. Though changes impact terminal handling traffic, rising quantities have increased job pressure, as well as congestion levels and dwell periods in terminal areas. The dry port model relies on a seaport which is directly connected to inland intermodal stations, where freight may be rotated immediately to the seaport in intermodal loading units. This research investigates the influence of vessel growth on port competitiveness and investigates integration between seaports and dry ports to counteract the huge increase in ship size at seaports. To achieve this goal, a survey was conducted to measure the relationship between dry ports and seaports. This paper also illustrates how the vessel expansion is associated with reduced operational efficiency, congestion, limited capacity and infrastructure support, outdated guidelines for existing port development, and the urgent need for additional investment in spatial development, and human resource development. Keywords: Dry Ports – Competitiveness – Seaports – Vessel size