Assessment Of Port Performance: The Queuing Theory Approach (A Case Of Apapa Port Complex)

ABSTRACT

This research focused on assessing the port performance: the queuing theory approach using Apapa port complex (APC) as the case study. The research was designed and carried out to answer among others the following questions: to assess the level of vessel turnaround time, traffic intensity, the waiting time of calling vessels at the port? Also, to determine the probability of vessel queuing on arrival at the port? To answer these questions only primary means of data collection were used. In addition, the performance of the port was studied using queue theory approach.Ship traffic and road traffic at the APC were studied using ship traffic simulation for vessels calling at the berth and road traffic simulation for loaded road vehicles leaving the port. The ship traffic simulation covered a period of one month (November 2013) recording 84 vessels, while the road traffic simulation was done in five days and recorded 793 vehicles. Comparing these simulation with capacity utilization done earlier, it was recorded that the berth capacity is utilized having low waiting/service ratio while the road was over utilized with very high waiting/service ratio. It was also found that the average turnaround time of vessel is low compare to previous year. In general, the APC has been performing well enough after the post concession period. In conclusion, the research recommends that efficient allocation policy that put into consideration ships length, size and drought, volume of cargo and berth effectiveness. The private operators of the terminals should be encourage to put in place adequate cargo handling machines and equipment working at any point in time and the loading plan of each vessel should be proper planned and maintain so that the re-handle of container should be limited.