Port Production Research Articles

The effect of maritime cluster on port production efficiency

ABSTRACT Ports play an important role in maritime cluster. In this study, the effect of maritime cluster on port production efficiency is discussed. First, the maritime cluster was divided into three classes: transportation & warehousing class (T&W), agent & technical class (A&T), and advanced class (Advan). Second, the effect of each part on the port production efficiency was theoretically assessed. Then, based on the 2001–2018 panel data from the Bohai Bay, China, the effects of shipping (T&W), shipping agency (A&T) and ship design (Advan) on total factor productivity (TFP) of the port were analyzed using a multilevel regression model. The empirical results indicated that the increase in the shipping industry and the shipping agency with low-added value and low knowledge density, participated in port production activities, promoting the port TFP. The ship design industry with high added value and high knowledge density did not participate in port activity, and did not directly affect the port TFP, but positively moderated the port TFP. In addition, the maritime cluster in a recession is proven to inhibit port TFP. These findings provided enlightenment for the government to improve the efficiency of port production, and a theoretical basis to merge the development of maritime cluster and port system.

The effect of information technology on seaports efficiency and improvement for the Gulf region

The efficiency of a port depends critically on the management system and security, the services provided, and its location as well as the skill of labor in the process of loading and unloading in a record time, using modern equipment. It has been noted from the results obtained that use of modern technology (IT) in some countries led to Increasing productivity and, therefore, an important indicator in evaluating the efficiency of port production. This paper evaluates the efficiency, performance and management of the supplies in the Gulf region. The objective of the study is to apply the DEA, CCR and BCC models in the evaluation of production efficiency using a nonlinear linear programming method in packaging data analysis (DEA), using data collected for 6 years for the period (2000-2005).

The Analysis of a Simulation of a Port–City Green Cooperative Development, Based on System Dynamics: A Case Study of Shanghai Port, China

Ports are important network nodes for cargo transportation between cities and even countries, and they play vital roles in stimulating urban economies. However, at the same time, port production activities also consume various resources, such as water, electricity, coal, and land. In addition, ports inevitably produce waste—solid, water, gas, and other pollutants—which damages the environment of their hinterland cities, hindering the growth of urban GDP. Therefore, this study sought to build a reasonable system dynamics model to measure the positive and negative effects of ports on cities, and to put forward countermeasures and suggestions for promoting port–city green cooperative development. We selected Shanghai Port as a case study, estimated its parameters with 2010–2017 data, and tested the historical fitness of the model. We then carried out a scheme simulation by changing relevant parameters and comparing coordinated port–city development under different schemes. The simulation results show that increases in sea transportation activity and economic pull coefficients help to propel the growth of port–city GDP to a certain extent, but also cause environmental pollution and resource wastage. Therefore, effective energy-saving and emission-reduction measures are needed to achieve the coordinated development of economic growth and green environmental protection in ports and cities.

IDENTIFICATION OF THE ESSENCE AND BASIC TASKS OF TRANSPORTATION OF PRODUCTION INTEGRATION IN THE SYSTEM «PORT – INDUSTRIAL PARK»

Purpose. The purpose of this article is to establish the main tasks of transport support of industrial integration in the «port – industrial park» system. The main purpose of transport support of industrial integration in the «port-industrial park» system is the organization of efficient transport links within and between the port and park subsystems.The technique. In this study, the methods of system methodology and methods of analysis and synthesis were used.Results. Establishing the main tasks of transport support of industrial integration in the «port – industrial park» system requires, first of all, the definition of the essence of transport support in the context under consideration.Scientific novelty. The concept of «transportation support» has been adapted for industrial integration in the «port – industrial park» system.Transportation support of industrial integration in the «port – industrial park» system is a set of subsystems associated with the transportation of goods generated by the specified system and within this system - the maritime component, the automobile (railway) component, the port terminal. The cargo base of this system is formed by the flow of raw materials, semi-finished and finished products of the industrial park. At the same time, the transportation of goods within the considered system «port – industrial park» is its connecting subsystem.A conceptual model of transport support for industrial integration in the «port – industrial park» system is presented as a system. In this system, the link between the subsystems and the elements is the main transport, intra-port transport, whose interaction is determined, among other things, by the location of the subsystems «port» and «industrial park».Practical significance. The results of the study can be used as identification of the essence and main tasks of transport support of industrial integration in the «port – industrial park» system and the organization of effective transport links. In this case, effective transport links will be understood as transport links that ensure the uninterrupted passage of cargo through the system under consideration with given parameters (temporary, three-dimensional, economic, etc.), which are determined by the specifics of the industrial park and port production processes.

Container Ship Stowage Based on Monte Carlo Tree Search

ABSTRACT Zhao, N.; Guo, Y.; Xiang, T.; Xia, M.; Shen, Y., and Mi, C., 2018. Container ship stowage based on monte carlo tree search. In: Liu, Z.L. and Mi, C. (eds.), Advances in Sustainable Port and Ocean Engineering. Journal of Coastal Research, Special Issue No. 83, pp. 540–547. Coconut Creek (Florida), ISSN 0749-0208. With the development of larger ships, modernized wharves, standardized production, meticulous management, and flexible service in container transportation, port production management is becoming increasingly intelligent. How to improve the efficiency when making stowage plans, the core issue in container terminals, has become a popular topic in research. Starting with the stowage issue, this paper provides rational solutions to stowage location and loading sequence of unloaded containers on the yard, giving overall consideration on ship owners' requirement and dock authority's practical operation. Considering turnover on yard, RTG cross-container operation and RTG shifting, based on loadi...

Rationalization of port infrastructure management during ice navigation

The object of research is the management of the sea port infrastructure during the ice navigation period. One of the most problematic issues is the rationalization and effectiveness of ice posting. Based on statistical data, a significant decrease in cargo turnover in the ports of the Sea of Azov (Mariupol and Berdiansk (Ukraine)) is observed throughout the ice period. A study is conducted of the need to use analysis and forecasting of seasonal processes in the management of the production activities of seaports, using statistical data, to determine the dynamics of the turnover of seaports during the ice period. On the basis of statistical data analysis, the concept of ice formation seasonality in the Sea of Azov is formulated. In the process of research is given the definition of the concept of seasonality factor as a category, expressed in the form of oscillatory processes. And also an approach to the formation of an information base is developed that takes into account various forms of the port's production activities in ice conditions that meet the requirements of continuous planning and regulation of the port. A verbal algorithm for predicting the state of ice cover for the formation of convoys for the purpose of statistical forecasting, including all stages of processing time series, is proposed and developed. As a result, a significant decrease in the port turnover during the ice period is proved and ways to increase the capacity of waterways during the ice period are proposed. According to the authors, with the help of the seasonality factor and ice formation prediction based on the verbal algorithm, it is possible to reduce the costs of using an icebreaker during ice navigation. It is assumed that the decrease of icebreaker’s voyages can be reduced from 10–15 to 4–5, which in turn will significantly reduce the port costs for the maintenance of the icebreaker and increase the performance of the ports during ice navigation.

Research on life cycle of bulk port production environmental management information system

Comprehensive information platform for port environmental management is necessary to be developed, due to the serious dust pollution and low efficiency of primary environmental protection equipment in the bulk port, which should be combined with life cycle of bulk port production and on the basis of the clean and efficient production needs. The aim of this study was to solve the port environmental management information platform framework, model selection and system development. It provides technical support for the establishment of port environmental management information system, realizes the automotive and global control of the port environment, and a breakthrough of the port environmental management practice.

Malmquist Data Envelopment Analysis as a tool to evaluate the Productivity levels of Container Ports in Developing Countries located in East and Southern Africa.

Aim: The purpose of this paper is to examine the productivity of 12 container ports located in East and Southern African developing nations for the period of 2014-2016. Furthermore, to investigate the sources of productivity change over the time period. Design / Research methods: This research collects data on the 12 container ports. The productivity of these ports is analyzed using the Data Envelopment Analysis based Malmquist productivity index. This is decomposed into technological changes and technical efficiency. The sources of productivity change are identified.Conclusions /findings: The major finding of this study is the trend in the port efficiency level over the three year period of analysis. Therefore assisting maritime policymakers and port authorities on what aspect of the port production need enhancement. Originality/value of the article: Evaluation of ports in developing nations in Africa is not common. Also, the year under examination is less than five years. Therefore the result is relevant to port authorities as well as to the African nations.Implications of the research: 90% of import and exports into developing African nations are done by sea. The implication of this is that an efficient or inefficient port will have a multiplier effect on the nation’s economy. Great improvement in port productivity will enhance economic growth and development.Limitations of the research: Port efficiency should be evaluated on a yearly basis to serve as a major determinant of port productivity. However, this evaluation is based on availability of data.

Container Ports Throughput Analysis: A Comparative Evaluation of China and Five West African Countries' Seaports Efficiencies

The measurement of the container port throughput and efficiency of China and 5 West African ports was the objective of this study. The DEA model, which is a non-parametric methodology, was applied to a number of inputs of port production and a single output. The results show that although China’s ports are the largest in terms of throughput and size, they are relatively inefficient due to over-capacity. In West Africa, it was revealed that the Tema port in Ghana was the most efficient although it displayed some operational inefficiencies with the Cotonou port in Benin been the least efficient. The results will therefore, add value to future port planning and management and performance ratings.

Assessment of Port Efficiency in West Africa Using Data Envelopment Analysis

The aim of this paper is to apply the DEA method in assessing efficiencies of major ports in West Africa. Six ports were selected based on their container throughput levels, and the DEA model was used to determine their relative efficiencies and their efficiencies over time through window analysis. The DEA model was applied to a number of inputs of port production and a single output (container throughput). It was determined that the Port of Tema in Ghana was the most efficient West African port under study. Although Tema exhibited some inefficiency in its operations, the port was found to make good use of its resources for production. On the other extreme, the Port of Cotonou in Benin was found to be the least efficient port obtaining the lowest average efficiency rating over a seven year period. It was determined that the port exhibited a substantial waste in production. Generally, ports in West Africa could be said to exhibit high levels of efficiency con-sidering that four out of six ports had an average efficiency score of 76% or higher for the period under study.

The Engineering Drawing Network Potting Management System Based on Intelligent Print Queue Management

There are a large number of engineering drawings in port design, it takes a lot of manpower and resources to manage and plot drawings , with the development of computer networks and related technologies and the use of network and database technology, the drawings designed by designers are sent to the server through the network for centralized management and plot, which can greatly improve the utilization of large-scale project plotter, and is significant to improve the drawings management level and standardization drawings and so on. Combining the needs of the port engineering design and production, we develop engineering drawing network plotting management system based on intelligent print queue management. Use the print queue which is independent of device to automatically control the drawing output. Ten years of use has proven a reasonable structure, flexible, adaptable characteristics, running through escalating perfect provides our institute information technology with a useful support, and lays a solid foundation.

Research on the Decision-Making Model of Container Cranes' Renewal

Container cranes renewal is an important issue related to the port production efficiency. Considered of characteristics of container crane production, the author use the method of mathematical programming and analyze its renewal decision, establish a renewal decision-making model based on container crane life cycle management, and provide an example analysis. The research achievement can be used for diagnosis and assessment of container crane and other port equipment.

Impact of privatization on port efficiency and effectiveness: results from Panama and US ports

Panama has five main ports: Balboa and PSA Panama International on the Pacific, and Cristóbal, Manzanillo and Colon Container Terminal (CCT) on the Caribbean side. The government of Panama originally operated the ports of Balboa and Cristóbal. After being transferred from the United States government, most of these ports were privatized in the late 1990s. During this period, some ports in the United States have moved away from operating to non-operating. There are more private sector involvements and public–private partnerships. However, in the US there are few full asset privatizations as was done in Panama. This range of privatizations provides the opportunity to study the effects of various types of privatization on port production. We use financial econometric techniques to assess port performance during government operation and private sector operation. The results of the study provide an estimate of the savings and effectiveness gains from privatizations. Few studies examine effectiveness, beyond questionnaires of users. However, especially for transshipment ports as are the case in Panama, service variables, along with price, are very important in determining demand for service. This study compares the effectiveness of Panama privatized ports with US ports in which there are degrees of privatization.

Port City Factors and Port Production: Analysis of Chinese Ports

AbstractThe objective of this article is to analyze port production activities and city factors in port cities. Port activities take place in port cities and the analysis provides a good opportunity to integrate the study of ports and cities. The study uses the economic production equation to analyze the production of China's ports over the time period 1995–2007. Numerous studies have examined general port growth and development on the basis of conceptual discussion. It is generally accepted that the Anyport Model and the Port Generation Model are valuable models for analysis of a port developing into a port city. However, empirical studies on port growth and factors that influence the growth rate are rather few. This study seeks to identify the city factors that are critical in determining port growth and attempts to develop an empirical model in the macroeconomic perspective. Seven major China port cities and their interfaces with their associated ports are studied here. This article attempts to analyze the port activities as economic production outputs and the city factors as inputs. The article provides an empirical analysis of port growth and policy insights on the interdependence between ports and port cities.

Classification of the Yangon’s Ports in Myanmar with Efficiency Measurement by Using DEA

Container terminal production is both an important and complicated element in the contemporary global economy. Amongst other methods, the efficiency of container port or terminal production can potentially be analyzed by Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). This paper aims to evaluate the efficiencies of the Yangon’s ports using the two alternative techniques. This paper provides a preliminary analysis of Yangon’s port sector for the period (1998-99 to 2007) using DEA in order to asses the impact of transformation. The results are therefore important in terms of the extent to which Yangon’s ports will be capable of competing effectively in the port industry. The scale of merger and takeover activity across the port industry has been extensive in recent years and this can be expected to increase as new opportunities for market penetration and consolidation emerge in the new-private ports sector.

The efficiency analysis of container port production using DEA panel data approaches

Applications of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to container port production have been largely restricted to standard DEA models using cross-sectional data. The efficiency results derived may be biased; for instance, as the result of random effects or a recent investment in future production. In overcoming this problem, panel data on container port production may be more suitable for medium- to long-term efficiency analysis. This paper evaluates available DEA panel data approaches by applying them to a sample of 25 leading container ports. Empirical results validate the necessity of utilizing panel data and reveal that considerable waste exists in container port production. It also provides a basis for assessing the competitiveness of container ports, for benchmarking best practice and identifying specific sources or causes of inefficiency.

An Alternative Approach to Efficiency Measurement of Seaports

A whole series of changes in world economic order in the last decade such as globalisation of production and consumption, and structural changes in inter- port relations, port-hinterland relationships and logistics have strengthened the role of ports as nodes in the global transport system. In such an environment, port production economics plays an important role in port management considerations. This paper reviews approaches to performance measurement and provides an examination of the applicability of alternative (four-stage) Data Envelopment Analysis to seaport efficiency measurement. The study finds that alternative DEA is a potentially powerful approach to the evaluation of the overall efficiency of seaports.

An Application of DEA Windows Analysis to Container Port Production Efficiency

There have been various analyses of the efficiency of container port (or terminal) production using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) based on cross-sectional data. When time is not considered, the efficiency results derived using this approach can be biased. In order to overcome this problem, this paper applies DEA windows analysis, utilising panel data, to a sample of the world’s major container ports in order to deduce their relative efficiency. The results suggest that estimates of container port efficiency fluctuate over time. The paper concludes that existing programming methods for estimating efficiency are inadequate in capturing the long-term increased efficiency and competitiveness that accrue from significant investments.

Port Reorganisations and the Worlds of Production Theory

Taking into account the new dimensions of port production that have become evident during the recent past, this paper tackles the issue of port reorganisation. In the light of the changes in the world economy and the new competitive environment, the paper focuses on the new structures of the port industry and the characteristics of the contemporary port product within a more general analytical framework of ‘Worlds of Production’. This conceptualisation suggests that neither the industrial model of mass production, nor any other model alone, can determine a single effective pattern of organisation of port production. Within the new reality, modern ports must provide a greater variety of services to port users than in the past. The diversity and complexity of the contemporary port product demand the application of multiple organisational transformations incorporating elements of different possible action frameworks. In this vein, the introduction of intra-port competition, the development of strategic or regional networks, and the reconsideration of the role of port authority turn to critical parameters of the essential restructuring.

The use of yeast inoculation in fermentation for port production; effect on total potential ethyl carbamate

A commercial wine yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae UCD 522 (pre-cultured in the presence of certain mass-labelled amino acids) was inoculated into a port must which was then allowed to ferment under controlled conditions of temperature and agitation. The influence of potential ethyl carbamate (EC) precursor formed due to yeast pre-culture, upon total potential EC levels was studied at various stages of fermentation. Pre-culture accumulation did not give rise to detectable levels of EC precursor during port fermentation.