Measuring Performance in Ports and Why It Matters
In the world of maritime logistics, efficiency is key. Without accurate measurement of performance, ports risk investing time, money, and resources into initiatives that may not deliver the intended improvements. Measuring port performance is not just about tracking numbers—it is about ensuring that changes lead to real, tangible benefits.
1. Why Performance Measurement & Benchmarking is Essential
If ports want to ensure that they put their energy and money in the right place, they need to measure and benchmark performance. Without data, it becomes impossible to determine whether improvements are actually achieving the intended results. By setting up a continuous improvement process, ports can ensure their efforts are effective and worthwhile. Without this process, improvements become guesswork rather than informed decisions.
2. Challenges in Measuring Port Performance
Many terminals focus on first-line to last-line operations—the time from when a vessel is moored to when it departs—because this is the part of the process they can directly control. However, the first-line to last-line metrics are only one part of the broader picture of port turnaround time—which includes arrival procedures, collaboration with pilots and tug operators, and time spent at anchorage. In order to measure port performance meaningfully, all of these factors need to be taken into account.
That said, there are several challenges when it comes to extending the scope of performance benchmarking:
- Data Availability: Terminals often lack real-time access to data about pilot boarding times, tugboat scheduling, or vessel movements before arrival.
- Influence and Control: Unlike terminal operations, which can be optimized internally, port turnaround improvements require coordination between multiple stakeholders, including pilots, tug operators, and port authorities.
- Collaboration: Cooperation between competing terminals and shipping lines can be difficult, as they may have conflicting interests and KPIs.
3. The Need for a Holistic Approach
Despite these challenges, true port performance measurement must extend beyond individual terminals and take a holistic view of port turnaround time. To do so, stakeholders need to collaborate and share data. Instead of only optimizing first-line to last-line operations, ports also need to consider the entire vessel journey, from approach to departure.
This requires finding ways to collect and share information across different stakeholders. For example, if terminals could access real-time pilot boarding data, they could better plan their operations and reduce waiting times. Similarly, improved coordination with tug operators and other service providers would make scheduling more predictable and efficient.
Measuring port performance is not just about tracking efficiency—it is about ensuring meaningful and lasting improvements. While many terminals focus on first-line to last-line operations, true port efficiency requires addressing port turnaround time as a whole. By overcoming data availability issues, fostering collaboration, and leveraging technology, ports can achieve higher efficiency, reduce costs, and create a more streamlined maritime logistics chain. Without measurement, improvement efforts become guesswork. With it, ports can ensure that every change leads to tangible, measurable success.