Container ports play a crucial role in global trade by handling millions of tons of cargo. These ports are responsible for various activities, including container handling, vessel operations, storage, and inland transportation. The primary goal is to ensure the efficient and timely movement of goods from one location to another while minimizing disruptions and costs, reports Marine Insight.
Planning Port Operations
Vessel pre-arrival arrangements and activities when a vessel is berthed in port call for maximum operations planning. Berth allocation and berthing, security, and planning of the right equipment and labor to fulfill the vessel’s specific tasks and requirements within a specific time frame fall under vessel pre-arrival planning.
It may involve governmental agencies such as the Customs, etc. All this planning is converted to actions as soon as the vessel approaches the port and is then berthed.
Following the departure of a vessel the vital data relating to its arrival, stay at port, and departure are collected, collated logically, and summarized to give key performance indicators [KPI]. Careful analysis of KPIs helps with better planning for future operations and effectively executing these plans.
Here, let us take a look at some of the key challenges faced by port operators.
- Port Congestion
What is port congestion? It is similar to a traffic jam that we experience on the road. Here, we have ships waiting to berth for loading or unloading their cargo or to leave the berth and set sail.
This normally happens during inclement weather conditions, high demand for berthing space, labour shortage on shore E.g. due to a pandemic or politically related, infrastructure breakdown at the port, etc.
- Digitalization
Seaports play a key role in the economic development of nations. But for this, they have to stay competitive.
Having modern digital technology enhances the overall operations of seaports. More and more seaports are investing heavily in artificial intelligence [AI], Robotics, the Internet of Things [IoT], cloud computing, etc. that augments their operations.
- Workforce Issues
While digitalization may be a great idea to increase the overall performance of a seaport, human labor and effort cannot be overlooked.
Digitalization and the human workforce must be balanced to avoid labor conflicts while maintaining technology-driven gains. The existing staff may be trained to use these technologies efficiently
- Safety and Security
Terrorist activities, theft, pilferage, and smuggling are some of the main threats faced by container ports.
An effective security system must be in place to prevent illegal access to the port premises as well as its computer systems. Policies and procedures must be reviewed periodically and executed efficiently for the safety and security of the port staff and its visitors, the cargo stored within the seaport, and its overall infrastructure.
- Financial Challenges
Global economic changes and upheavals can affect exports and imports thereby impacting the activities of container ports. Significant drop in container volumes causes a slowdown whereas increased trade demand can result in a significant increase in the volume of goods passing through ports.
Income from leasing and rental of port facilities, taxes, fees and tariffs, subsidies, etc. are used for running the port operations, its maintenance, and provision of security. Every seaport is looking at expansion and modernization as they strive to remain competitive.
This calls for a substantial financial backup. Besides government funding, tie-ups with private partners help in getting the necessary large financial investments.
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Source: Marine Insight
