The Role of Private Off Dock Terminals on Port Efficiency (A Study of Sifax Off Dock Nig, Ltd.)

Ibiama Kenneth Adonye,Ogoladeniel B,Akpufuimorataria Dogood

doi:10.31033/ijemr.9.5.14

Abstract

This study examines the role of private off dock terminal in enhancing port efficiency in Nigeria; the purpose of the study is to examine the extent to which private off-dock terminals have contributed to the efficiency of ports in Nigeria with respect to cargo clearance and forwarding, questionnaires were administered and review has been carried out to obtain primary data collection. A total of 100 questionnaires were administered to respondents and related literatures have been used for secondary data. A survey design method was adopted for the study. The statistical tools employed in analyzing the analysis are simple percentage; tables and hypothesis were tested using chi-square. Based on the findings, private off dock terminal has not really impacted on Lagos port over the last five years based on the cargo volume handled by them. It also reveals that private off dock terminal is facing problem in its implementation in Nigeria such as the availability of railway connectivity and inadequate finance and also the inconsistencies of government policies in line with off dock operations. The findings also reveals that the cost of clearing cargo at terminal is high compared to main ports. To this end the study recommended that reductions of chargers on cargo clearance and terminal handling of cargoes should be looked into by private off dock owners, government should ensure railway connectivity form port to off dock terminals, policies should be enacted, which will ensure efficient operations of private off dock terminal in Nigeria.

Highlights

Private off-dock terminals known as Inland Customs Clearance Depots or Bonded Terminals may be generally seen as facilities located inland or remote from port(s) which offer services for the handling, temporal storage and customs clearance of containers and general cargo as well as empties (Maduka, 2004)
H0 There is no significant relationship of cargo volume handled by private off dock terminal over the last five years. ii
From the findings there is significant difference in cost effectiveness and turnaround time of cargo handling at private off-dock terminals compared to the main ports, because most shippers or freight forwarder agreed to the fact that it is not cheaper for them to clear their cargoes at off dock terminals and it takes more days to clear containers at private off-dock terminals compared to the main ports in Nigeria

Summary

Introduction

Private off-dock terminals known as Inland Customs Clearance Depots or Bonded Terminals may be generally seen as facilities located inland or remote from port(s) which offer services for the handling, temporal storage and customs clearance of containers and general cargo as well as empties (Maduka, 2004). According to Branch (1998), private off-dock terminals have been the best way to decongest ports in many parts of the world as they serve as storage facilities for both laden and empty containers for relatively short or long periods. Their primary purpose is to allow the benefits of containerization to be realized on the inland transport leg of international cargo movements. Economic activities have increased as a result of the introduction of these terminals and the time spent for loading containers have decreased considerably leading to time and optimum efficiency

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion