Mathematical modelling of berth utilisation rate for multipurpose port operations

Abstract

Productivity is an essential element which shows the effectiveness of a port and its operations. Berth utilisation rate is the key indicator determining ship turnaround time. To date, there is no clear guidance for port operators on getting a precise data in the terms of berth utilisation rate. Thus, this study was conducted to determine berth utilisation rate for a port using derived mathematical model. Derived model incorporated eight parameters in the equation, each of the elements being independent but inter-related to one another. Parameters involved in the development of the mathematical model are, ship length, port stay, berthable length, utilisable hours per day, number of days in a month, total capacity, immobilised capacity and final capacity. The model was validated by using 36 months data, from January 2012 to December 2014, based on data collected from Jurong Port Pte.Ltd., being port of understudy. Comparative analysis was used to analyse the precision between the existing berth occupancy model and the newly developed berth utilisation model, in comparison to the real time berth productivity rate of the port under study. Data obtained from the newly developed berth utilisation model significantly showed that on average the utilisation percentage deviates by 5 to 20 percentages, compared to the existing berth occupancy model, depending on the berth terminals. The utilisation rate of bulk cargo berths showed less deviation (5 to 10 percentages) while general cargo berths show higher deviation (15 to 20 percentages) and the containerised cargo berths (10 to 20 percentages). This study can be applied in actual shipping industry to reduce ship turn-around time by providing efficient and effective services and high port productivity, with the aim to achieve optimum port performance.