Optimization of Vessel Turnaround Time At A Seaport With A Special Reference to New Mangalore Port Trust

Abstract

Turnaround time of a vessel in a seaport exhibits the capability and ability of a port in newlineproviding efficient and effective services. Ship turnaround time is one of the most newlinesignificant Port performance indicator. This is the total time, spent by the vessel in newlineport, during a given call. It is the sum of waiting time, berthing time, service time newline(i.e., ship s time at berth) and sailing delay. Indian ports play a crucial role in trade newlineand economy, as 95% of merchandise trade is handled by ports. However, port newlineturnaround time remains a key problem. It is significantly slower when compared to newlineports in other developing countries, being several times higher than for ports in China, newlineSingapore and Malaysia. It is estimated that about 40% of ships time is spent in ports. newlineThe main contributing factors in high turnaround time of a vessel in a sea port are the newlineport congestion, loading/unloading speed, method of cargo handling, general newlineoperational delays, strikes, ship catastrophe, pilotage and mooring time and delay due newlineto weather. To reduce the turnaround time of a vessel in a seaport, the port processes newlineare to be streamlined and capacity augmented. This research is aimed at identifying newlinethe factors that are responsible for turnaround time of vessels at New Mangalore Port. newlineAs the present day vessels are of very large size to take advantage the economy of newlinescale requires huge investment. The return on investment depends on the earning of newlinevessel during her entire life. The voyage time of a vessel is the only earning period of newlinethe vessel, whereas the time spent in seaports is expenditure for the ship owners. newlineTherefore every ship owners expect a very low turnaround time to get maximum newlinebenefits. The turnaround time is a function of port operations and port facilities. newlineCurrently, it is not possible to determine the significant factor(s) that influence port newlineperformance, in terms of turnaround time. The primary data of vessel newlinearrival/departure in New Mangalore Port Trust.