Major Container Terminals Research Articles

Identifying the operational status of container terminals from high-resolution nighttime-light satellite image for global supply chain network optimization

Container terminals are cargo gateways in the global maritime supply chain network. Major container terminals generally operate throughout the year, but do not operate at night, when container vessels are not calling at ports, or when there is no need to handle containers. Terminal congestion can delay containers’ shipping schedules, which impacts the supply chain network. To optimize global logistics, it is therefore important to understand fully the daily operational status of container terminals. A vessels’ automatic identification system data are not sufficient to determine whether containers are being handled in container terminals at night. Remote sensing, especially nighttime-light (NTL) imagery, might solve this problem. Recently, high-resolution images for the CE-SAT-IIB satellite with a pixel resolution of 5.1 m became available to observe NTL. This study assessed the operational status of container terminals based on satellite image taken at night. Eight terminals in the Port of Tokyo, Japan, were selected for the study. A Sentinel-2A image recorded during the day on 7 April 2021, and a CE-SAT-IIB image recorded during the night on 6 April 2021, were obtained. The digital numbers (DNs) of each red-, green-, and blue-(RGB) band image were analyzed, revealing that the red, green, and blue bands, in that order, had higher DNs in the Sentinel-2A daytime image and the CE-SAT-IIB NTL image at all terminals. One of the eight terminals had a low DN in the CE-SAT-IIB RGB image because its lights were off at the time the image was taken. The operational status of the terminals could be verified from the CE-SAT-IIB image by setting the DN threshold to the green or red bands. We also found that the CE-SAT-IIB image could distinguish white-light-emitting diode (LED) lamps from high-pressure sodium lamps based on color differences in the DNs of the RGB bands. If high-resolution NTL sensors were placed onboard microsatellites, a high-frequency observation constellation network could be constructed using a combination of NTL data and daytime images. This study showed the benefits and usefulness of NTL images of ports; the results will contribute to the overall optimization of the global maritime supply chain network.

A Study on the Analysis of Operational Efficiency of Major Container Terminals in Korea

국제무역의 성장에 따라 한국 해운물류도 빠르게 발전해 왔다. 국내 항만 컨테이너 물동량은 2000년부터 2019년까지 꾸준히 증가하다가 2020년에 코로나-19의 영향으로 감소한 추세를 보였다. 해양수산부는 국내 주요 한만의 컨테이너 경쟁력을 강화하기 위해 제4차 전국 항만기본계획을 통해 컨테이너 터미널의 자동화, 컨테이너선 대형화를 대비한 선석 확대 등 정책을 제시하고 있다. 정책 추진의 합리성과 효율성을 위해 각 항만의 컨테이너 터미널 운영 현황을 파악하고, 문제점을 진단해볼 시점이다. 기존에 국내 컨테이너 터미널의 운영 효율성에 관한 연구가 존재하나, 10년 이상 지나 현재 상황을 반영하지 못한다는 한계점이 있다. 본 연구는 Data Envelopment Analysis(DEA) 기법을 사용하여 국내 주요 항만(부산항, 인천항, 광양항, 울산항, 평택당진항)에 존재하는 20개 컨테이너 터미널의 운영 효율성을 비교⋅분석하였다. 투입변수와 산출변수로 2020년 자료를 사용함으로써 가장 최근의 상황을 반영할 수 있도록 하였다. 분석결과, CCR 모형에서는 부산항 PNIT, PNC, HJNC의 운영 효율성이 최적이었으며, 이와 함께 인천항 E1CT와 울산항 JUCT 총 5개 터미널이 BCC 모형에서 효율성이 최적으로 나타났다. 이어서, 벤치마킹 항만에 대한 분석을 실시하고, 항만별 특성을 고려하여 부산항과 인천항에 대해서는 마케팅/홍보 강화와 선사 유치 등을 통한 컨테이너 물동량을 확대 방안을 제시하였다. 광양항, 울산항, 평택당진항의 경우 터미널 통합 운영, 선석재배치 등을 통해 항만시설 투입 합리화를 추진해야 함을 언급하였다. 본 연구의 결과는 향후 국내 주요 항만이 컨테이너 터미널의 경쟁력을 강화하기 위한 각종 정책 수립시 유용한 참고자료로 활용될 수 있을 것이다.

Efficiency evaluation of major container terminals in the top three cities of the Pearl River Delta using SBM-DEA and undesirable DEA

As the three largest central hub cities in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen have played critical roles in regional growth. Nevertheless, these ports face many challenges, such as port handling capacity, environmental problems, and the expansion of the complex transportation system owing to the large volume of goods. Therefore, this study used the slacks-based measure–data envelopment analysis (SBM-DEA) and DEA-undesirable models to evaluate the efficiency of the major container terminals in these three cities between 2018 and 2019. Based on the decision-making unit values of the terminals for the past two years, Yantian and Container Terminal 9 (South) were the most efficient, followed by container terminals 6 and 7. Moreover, the efficiency of the major container terminals in Guangzhou was less satisfactory than that of terminals in Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The results provide a reliable reference for future port investment, and regional development policy in the PRD region.

Determination of the Efficiency of Port Performance and Productivity Based on Data Envelopment Analysis in the West Africa Sub-region

Background: Ports are one of the assets of every country and one way to achieve efficiency is by maximizing productivity amid limited resources. Despite the increase in the number of studies on the efficiency of container terminals, their focus has been channeled on advanced markets. Researchers conduct limited studies on container terminals in developing countries such as those of the West African region, which are located in a critical geographic place in the international maritime route between these areas and the World. Information on their potential for development relative to other terminals worldwide is therefore not readily available hence, this study seeks to provide answers to critical productivity indicators of ports in the West Africa sub-region. Methods : We evaluate the technical efficiency of the 5 major container terminals in the West African region. The Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach is used to measure technical efficiency and slack variable analysis which identifies potential areas of improvement for inefficient terminals. Moreover, DEA can handle multiple inputs and outputs, which makes it applicable to the port analysis. Findings: The results indicate that the Tema port is the most efficient port among the sample, with an average efficiency of 100% in the nine years and the Port of Cotonou is the least efficient with an average efficiency of 44% and exhibits substantial waste in production throughout the nine-year analysis. Novelty: This is the first time that the current data from 2010- 2018 has been used to determine port efficiency and the efficiency scores are necessary indicators for terminal managers to adopt and sustain all the necessary alignments to structures and strategies. Keywords: Data envelopment analysis; productivity improvement; efficiency; port management; West Africa

An efficiency analysis of container terminals in Southern Vietnam using DEA dynamic efficiency evaluation

Southern Vietnam is a key economic region for the country, producing 45% of Vietnam’s GDP, despite only accounting for 9% of the country’s total landmass and 21% of its population. Specifically, the Southern Region dominates seaport-based container transportation, contributing 55% of Vietnam’s total vessel calls and 74% of its total container cargo volume, with the North and Central regions trailing far behind. However, despite the sector’s importance, the efficiency of container terminals in Southern Vietnam has not been evaluated by the literature in recent years. This study fills this research gap by using data envelopment analysis (DEA) to evaluate the efficiency of major container terminals in Southern Vietnam. The results of the DEA Malmquist analysis show that most container terminals demonstrated productivity growth between 2017 and 2019, and that this mainly derived from advancements in catch-up operational efficiency and in technological innovation. Moreover, the DEA slack-based measure and DEA undesirable output analyses demonstrate that three container terminals (Cai Mep International Terminal, Tan Cang Cat Lai, and Tan Cang–Cai Mep International Terminal) achieved the maximum efficiency level when both applying and not applying the undesirable output variable. However, other container terminals displayed severe operational inefficiency, with these terminals’ efficiency values decreasing by between 9% and 40% when considering undesirable outputs. The ineffective terminals can therefore be categorized as consuming excessive inputs and lacking in the production of desirable outputs or creating large amounts of undesirable outputs. Therefore, using these results, port authorities and policymakers should be better placed to develop appropriate strategies for managing container terminals in Southern Vietnam.

Short-term prediction of outbound truck traffic from the exchange of information in logistics hubs: A case study for the port of Rotterdam

Short-term traffic prediction is an important component of traffic management systems. Around logistics hubs such as seaports, truck flows can have a major impact on the surrounding motorways. Hence, their prediction is important to help manage traffic operations. However, The link between short-term dynamics of logistics activities and the generation of truck traffic has not yet been properly explored. This paper aims to develop a model that predicts short-term changes in truck volumes, generated from major container terminals in maritime ports. We develop, test, and demonstrate the model for the port of Rotterdam. Our input data are derived from exchanges of operational logistics messages between terminal operators, carriers and shippers, via the local Port Community System. We propose a feed-forward neural network to predict the next one hour of outbound truck traffic. To extract hidden features from the input data and select a model with appropriate features, we employ an evolutionary algorithm in accordance with the neural network model. Our model predicts outbound truck volumes with high accuracy. We formulate 2 scenarios to evaluate the forecasting abilities of the model. The model predicts lag and non-proportional responses of truck flows to changes in container turnover at terminals. The findings are relevant for traffic management agencies to help improve the efficiency and reliability of transport networks, in particular around major freight hubs.

The efficiency of major container terminals in China: super-efficiency data envelopment analysis approach

PurposeSeaports are a signifier for the world economy and international trade. Notwithstanding the considerable role of Chinese ports in global trade, only few studies have explored the efficiency of Chinese container terminals. Furthermore, studies on Chinese port efficiency has typically centered on port-level analysis, not terminal level. Therefore, this study aims to examine the operation efficiency of Chinese container terminals.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses super-efficiency data envelopment analysis (SE-DEA) approach. SE-DEA is superior than basic DEA model because it is feasible for categorizing and ranking the efficiency of container terminals more accurately and comprehensively. In the basic model, if the several decision-making units (DMUs) are efficient, the efficiency value of them is “1.” However, in the SE-DEA model, the most efficient DMU is over “1.” Based on the level of container throughput in 2018, the top 20 Chinese container terminal companies were selected. Various production quotas were selected as inputs, while the container throughput was considered output.FindingsThe findings show that Terminal Shanghai Mingdong Container Terminal Co., Ltd. was ranked 1, followed by Shanghai Shengdong International Container Terminal Co., Ltd., Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd. and Yidong Container Terminal Branch.Originality/valueThis study contributes to providing some insights into Chinese container terminal industry to augment the efficiency. This study also provides practical and policy implications (e.g. better terminal operations) for container terminals.

Risk Assessment of Work Accident in Container Terminals Using the Fault Tree Analysis Method

The use of containers in the world is increasing every year in line with international trade flows. In very complex container terminal operations, the risk of work accidents is inevitable and can happen at any time. Therefore, this paper aimed to identify accidents and potential risks occurring in the container terminals. For the case study, the analysis was used the data of accidents during five years in one of the major container terminals in Indonesia. Risk assessment is carried out using the risk matrix method to get the level of risk. The risk that has the highest level is analyzed by using the Fault Tree Analysis method. From the results of the risk assessment shows the container fell to the berth when loading and unloading have the highest risk value. While the results of the Fault Tree Analysis show that traffic accidents are the biggest potential risk, which is 41.8% compared to other accidents. Moreover, human factors especially due to the negligence in operating vehicles or equipment as well as the damage of equipment were the highest common causes of accidents in the container terminal. Based on these results the contribution offered is the risk control options for terminal operators to reduce the possibility of safety failure in the container terminal.

컨테이너터미널에서 야드 이송장비 자동화 적용방안에 관한 연구

International major container terminals are trying to expand automation facilities in order to dominate the competition and grow as central harbors. Recently, system design and development were put underway to fully integrate automation systems in container terminals. This is because it can focus on improving the efficiency of the yard operations in container terminals and facilitates integration with other container terminal operation processes. Automation in the container terminal business today is essential to better serve customers and improve profitability. Real-time position and status of container handling equipment (CHE) have been required for more efficient terminal operations and consequently higher productivity. This study examined the real-time location and status of the container terminal automation equipment using DGPS in container terminals, and reviewed the components and functions of the container terminal automation yard equipment systems that developed, applied, and operated the automation systems. In addition, this study compared the existing yard system and the automation yard system and presented application methods. Also, the results revealed that the productivity of the container terminal and the efficiency of the transportation equipment can be further increased when the optimal yard automation transportation equipment system is used to efficiently operate the transportation equipment, which is the core equipment of the container terminal.

Leader-member exchange, safety climate and employees’ safety organizational citizenship behaviors in container terminal operators

Purpose Container terminal operation is one of the most risky industries. Many of the accidents that occurred were found to be caused by human errors. However, it seems relatively little research has been conducted to examine the influence of leader-member exchange (LMX) relationship on employee safety behavior. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the effects of leader-member exchange and safety climate on employees’ safety organizational citizenship behaviors (SOCB) in the container terminal context based on the social exchange theory. Design/methodology/approach A structural equation modeling was used with confirmatory factor analysis, and survey data are collected from 265 employees in major container terminals in Taiwan. Findings Results indicated that LMX is positively associated with safety climate, whereas safety climate positively influences employees’ safety citizenship behavior. Specifically, results indicated that safety climate mediates the effect of LMX on employees’ SOCB. Research limitations/implications This study was limited to LMX dimensions adapted from the studies of Li and Liao (2014) and Vidyarthiv et al. (2014). Future research could examine the linkages between LMX, ethical climate, safety performance and supervisor leadership influence. Furthermore, this research focused specifically on employees from the container terminal operators in Taiwan. It would be valuable to collect data from employees from other countries to obtain a balanced view of the relationship between LMX, team-member exchange (TMX), safety climate and employee SOCB in container terminal operations. Practical implications This research provides a useful implication for container terminal operators to enhance LMX qualities and employee safety behavior through organizational participation, employee-helping behaviors and informing workers to obey safety rule and regulation. Originality/value Given the prevalence of accidents and unsafe behavior in container terminal operations, this research sought to examine the relationships among LMX, safety climate and employee SOCB in the container terminal context. Theoretically, this study highlights the importance of LMX and safety climate in explaining the SOCB of employees.

A Study on the Efficiency of Container Terminals in Korea and China

ABSTRACT The objective of this study is to derive implications required for efficiency improvement and management level enhancement by selecting container terminals within major large ports of Korea and China as comparison units, evaluating their relative efficiencies and analyzing the trend of changes in their efficiencies. Since the scope of comparison subjects has been narrowed down to container terminals unlike previous studies, it is expected that the study results would have significant meaning due to the fact that it would be possible to compare and analyze in more detail. To achieve the objective, 30 major container terminals in both countries are selected, input and output variables are defined for each terminal and the DEA (data envelopment analysis) model is used to conduct an analysis. The results show that the efficiency of major terminals in Korea (CCR: 0.815, BCC: 0.886) showed similar efficiency with China's terminals (CCR: 0.817, BCC: 0.887). While previous studies conclude that the efficiency of ports in Korea is far lower than that of ports in China.

An Efficiency Analysis of Major Container Terminals of Korea, China and Japan focusing on Hub-Port

An Efficiency Analysis of Major Container Terminals of Korea, China and Japan focusing on Hub-Port

TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF CONTAINER TERMINAL OPERATIONS: A DEA APPROACH

Nowadays, transporting cargoes via container are key indicator for every shipment. The movement of container involves multi modes to reach destination. The efficient transport networking systems are determinant attribute towards container terminal in providing excellent services to their client. The paper focuses on the metamorphosis of the terminal efficiency and container movements at 6 major container terminals in Peninsular Malaysia. The aim is to measure efficiency of container terminals that contributes significant economic development for a nation. Non parametric approach under frontier method is used to analyse panel data from 2003 to 2010 in relation with container terminal equipments and throughput. The result shows no significant relationship between container terminal size and efficiency. Thus, efficiency is determined from allocation of resources efficiently by terminal operators and not by size of terminals.DOI: 10.12660/joscmv6n2p1-19URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/joscmv6n2p1-19

Comparative Studies on Efficiency Evaluation of Chinese and Korean Major Container Terminals

Comparative Studies on Efficiency Evaluation of Chinese and Korean Major Container Terminals

English

The Southern African container port system features a diverse range of different port types and sizes from five African countries. Collectively, ports in this region constituted a significant 40% market share of all container traffic through the African continent in 2005. One of the busiest container ports on the continent, the Port of Durban is located within the Southern African region. The region has seen strong port development in the last 15 years with new ports entering the market or existing ports expanding their supply. Competitive dynamics in the Southern African container port system are however not well researched. Building further upon economic literature and empirical studies on port competition, competitiveness and on port geography literature on the development of port systems, this paper provides an academically-sound and policy-relevant assessment of the development paths of the Southern African container port system. The paper includes a detailed container traffic analysis, applying the net shift model, for major container terminals in South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius from 1985 to 2010. The paper also discloses the level of concentration or deconcentration. Concentration/deconcentration factors applicable to the port system and its respective ranges are identified together with a port range developmental path (linear or non-linear) for each. As such, the paper complements earlier empirical research on European, North American and Asian port systems and thus contributes to advancing and broadening the methodological and empirical discussion on port system development.   Key words: Southern African container ports, Container traffic Analysis, Net Shift, Port Development Patterns.

Operational Performance Evaluation of Korean Major Container Terminals

As the competition among the container terminals in Korea has become increasingly fierce, every terminal is striving to increase its investments constantly and lower its operational costs in order to maintain the competitive edge and provide satisfactory services to terminal users. The unreasoning behavior, however, has induced that substantial waste and inefficiency exists in container terminal production. Therefore, it is of great importance for the terminal to know whether it has fully used its existing infrastructures and that output has been maximized given the input. From this perspective, data envelopment analysis (DEA) provides a more appropriate benchmark. This study applies three models of DEA to acquire a variety of analytical results about the operational efficiency to the Korean container terminals. According to efficiency value analysis, this study first finds the reason of inefficiency. It is followed by identification of the potential areas of improvement for inefficient terminals by applying slack variable method and giving the projection results. Finally, return to scale approach is used to assess whether each terminal is in a state of increasing, decreasing, or constant return to scale. The results of this study can provide terminal managers with insight into resource allocation and optimization of the operating performance.

주요 컨테이너 터미널의 정보보호 수준 평가에 관한 연구

Information security is an essential factor that enables terminal to be operated. However, despite of this importance of information security, there has hardly been any research related to this topic. And moreover, current level of information security performance in container terminals has not been analyzed so far. The objective of this study is to evaluate current level of information security in container terminals. Through survey from the four leading container terminal operators in Korea, The results firstly showed that average of information security level of major container terminals was 71.7%. And from the results of data analysis, it revealed that the weak point of information security in Korean container terminals was security management, and in detail, lack of expertise of support group.

Does trigger point mechanism create monopoly power for Hong Kong container terminals?

In recent years, the Hong Kong port has been challenged by the emergence of the Shenzhen port. This gives rise to a concern that the high terminal handling charges (THC) levied by the Hong Kong terminal operators are undermining the competitiveness of the Hong Kong port. As the major container terminals in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen are operated by the Hong Kong terminal operators, the monopoly power of these operators is commonly believed to be the cause of the high THC in Hong Kong. The theoretical model developed in this study shows that the trigger point mechanism (TPM) used by the Hong Kong Government to control the supply of terminal capacity may be a source of such monopoly power. Two possible scenarios are considered in the model—Scenario 1 in which expansion of capacity is unconstrained (i.e. the Shenzhen port); and Scenario 2 in which expansion of capacity is constrained by TPM (i.e. the Hong Kong port). Under TPM, the Hong Kong Government commits not to grant the right to build new container terminals unless and until the demand for container handling services exceeds the current capacity by a certain amount, which provides the incumbent operators incentives to invest preemptively in excess capacity in order to block the entry of potential entrants. This model is supported by the empirical findings from this study. The results from this study suggest an urgent need for the Hong Kong Government to overhaul the current port development policy as a part of the effort to promote economic integration between Hong Kong and the Mainland China.

주요 컨테이너 터미널의 정보화 수준 분석에 관한 연구

오늘날 정보기술은 항만 운영을 위한 필수적인 기술에 해당되며, 항만의 경쟁력을 가늠하는 척도로도 항만의 정보화 수준은 매우 중요한 가치를 지닌다. 그러나, 항만의 정보화 수준에 대한 연구는 아직까지 매우 부족하고, 최근의 수행된 선행연구의 경우에도 정보화 수준을 평가하는 지수를 개발하는데 주안점을 두고 있어, 컨테이너 터미널들의 실질적인 정보화 수준의 측정과 분석에 관한 연구가 결여되었다. 본 연구에서는 이러한 점에 주목하여, 우리나라 주요 터미널의 정보화 수준을 분석하고, 몇 가지 시사점을 제시하는 것을 연구의 목적으로 한다. 특히, 본 연구에서는 선행연구의 지수모델에서 고려되지 못했던 계층간 상호중복성 등을 고려하여 보다 명확한 지수모델을 수립하여 주요 컨테이너 터미널의 정보화 수준을 분석하였다. Currently, ITs(Information Technologies} performances have been recognized as an essential tool for terminal operations. However, there have been little research that analyze level of ITs performance on port operation. Thus, the aim of this research is to analyze current level of ITs performance of major container terminals in Busan and Gwangyang. To achieve this objective, we developed HFP-based index that improve pervious indicator for evaluation of ITs performance. And then, level of ITs performance of four major container terminals were measured by the collected data through face to face interviews. Finally, through this analysis, some findings including weaknesses of ITs performance and implications were discussed.

A hybrid Data Envelopment Analysis and simulation methodology for measuring capacity utilisation and throughput efficiency of container terminals

As growth in international trade slowed down in the recent years, inter-modal traffic volume declined and subsequently led to reduction in demand for container services. The reduced demand in container services and the ongoing glut of container port facilities throughout the world have sparked fierce competition among international container terminals. In an effort to help the port authorities to develop a winning strategy in the increasingly competitive container market, this paper develops a meaningful set of benchmarks that will set the standard for best practices. In particular, we propose a hybrid Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA)/simulation model that is designed to evaluate the relative efficiency of container terminal operations. To illustrate the usefulness of the proposed hybrid DEA/simulation model, we used the real examples of major container terminals in South Korea.