Table 6 Criteria Related to the Operation Category
Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
Port capacity | The overall capacity of the hub port from the viewpoint of shipping lines. |
Berth availability | Berth availability based on the shipping line’s experience (opportunities for on-arrival berths, berthing windows, etc.). |
Frequency of delays | The frequency of delays at the hub port, which increases the shipping line’s dissatisfaction, as liner shipping services are operated with pre-defined time schedules. |
Records of damages | The occurrence of damage at hub ports from the shipping line’s experience. |
Port authority/custom policies/regulations | The nature of the business-friendly environment at the hub port and whether there are very complex and time-consuming procedures/documentation and regulations. |
Port infrastructure | The availability of adequate and advanced port infrastructure. |
Port superstructure | The availability of adequate and advanced facilities for vessel/cargo handling. |
IT and advanced technology | The availability of advanced IT systems and related technology that enhance convenience for shipping lines. |
Logistics facilities | The capability of providing advanced logistics facilities for multi-country consolidations, warehousing, and so on, which are essential for a transshipment hub port. |
Efficiency of navigational services | The efficiency of navigational services, such as pilotage, towage, and so on, which are significant due to the large numbers of vessel movements and larger vessel sizes at a hub port. |
Efficiency of husbandry services | The efficiency of various husbandry services, such as ship repairs, bunkering, and so on, at the hub port. |
Professional employees | The presence of professional employees, which enhances convenience for shipping lines when doing business. |
Marketing efforts | Marketing efforts, including effective port pricing, incentives, and long-term business relationships. |
Port flexibility to shipping line requests | Flexibility in dealing with shipping lines’ special requests, operational changes, additional requirements, and so on, which could be important due to large handling volumes at hub ports. |
Financial clearance capability | The capability to provide financial clearance without inefficient and complicated clearance processes, financial settlement durations, and so on. |