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AUTHOR(S): Donatus E. Onwuegbuchunam, Harrison Obiora Amuji, Kenneth U. Nnadi, Kenneth C. Godwin, Christy C. Nwachi, Ojutalayo J. Folayan, Louisa N. Amaechi, Bridget Nwanyibuife Okechukwu, Vivian Ngozi Ikeogu
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TITLE Waiting Line Study of Ship-Truck-Cargo Transfer Operation in the Nigerian Seaports |
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ABSTRACT Efficient cargo transfer operations are essential for optimal port performance. This study evaluates the operational effectiveness of ship and truck cargo handling systems at the Onne Port Complex using queuing theory. This paper assessed the system performance of ship and truck cargo operations at berths using queuing models and identified inefficiencies in vessel and truck processing times. The study adopted a survey design and collected primary and secondary data from 2014 to 2023. Queuing models were applied to analyse vessel and truck operations using parameters such as arrival rates, service rates, waiting times, and system utilization. The findings show that the ship’s cargo transfer system utilization rate was 60%, with average time in system at 18 minutes and no queuing time, indicating idle berth capacity and delays due to facility readiness or documentation issues. However, in the case of the truck operation, we found very low utilization (18.4%), with trucks waiting an average of 13 minutes in the queue and 23 minutes in total within the system. This indicates poor efficiency despite an appointment system in place. The study concludes that both vessel and truck cargo handling systems at Onne Port are underutilized. Delays are mostly caused by operational and technological inefficiencies rather than congestion. Improvements in documentation processes and ICT integration are needed to enhance system performance. We therefore recommend the upgrade of ICT infrastructure, optimization of berth and truck scheduling systems, and enforcement of performance benchmarks to improve terminal operations in Nigerian ports. |
KEYWORDS Waiting line, Ship Operation Cargo Operation, Berth Utilization, Service Rate, Arrival time Rate |
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Cite this paper Donatus E. Onwuegbuchunam, Harrison Obiora Amuji, Kenneth U. Nnadi, Kenneth C. Godwin, Christy C. Nwachi, Ojutalayo J. Folayan, Louisa N. Amaechi, Bridget Nwanyibuife Okechukwu, Vivian Ngozi Ikeogu. (2025) Waiting Line Study of Ship-Truck-Cargo Transfer Operation in the Nigerian Seaports. International Journal of Economics and Management Systems, 10, 317-324 |
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