An analysis of port congestion alleviation strategy based on system dynamics. (1st October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lin, Haonan; Zeng, Weijun; Luo, Jian; Nan, Guofang
• Is Part Of: Ocean & coastal management. Volume 229(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-10-01
• Subjects: Port congestion -- COVID-19 pandemic -- Port alliance -- Shared berth -- System dynamics; Marine resources -- Management -- Periodicals; Coastal zone management -- Periodicals; Coastal ecology -- Periodicals; Ressources marines -- Périodiques; Littoral -- Aménagement -- Périodiques; Écologie littorale -- Périodiques; Coastal ecology; Coastal zone management; Marine resources -- Management; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 551.46
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2022.106336
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-5691

Abstract

Abstract: Port congestion has become a key factor restricting the international trade and economic development, especially during the COVID-19 epidemic. It is essential for the port to implement the effective alleviation strategies for handling the uncertain congestion. This paper aims to investigate the performance of the epidemic prevention alliance strategy (EPAS), shared berths strategy (SBS) around adjacent ports and their hybrid strategy in alleviating the port congestion. To simulate the effect of these three strategies, a system dynamics model of dual-port operation is developed considering the factors of the integrated service level of liner routes, empty container allocation, port congestion and regional economics, and so forth. The results indicate that the key issue of port congestion stems from the implementation of epidemic preventive measures. Among these three strategies, the hybrid strategy performs the best in alleviating the port congestion, improving integrated service levels, and curbing the fluctuation of container price. Moreover, the measures of investing more human resources and fixed assets are always taken in many current ports to alleviate the issue of port congestion. Therefore, the impacts of various investment in human resources and fixed assets on alleviating the port congestion are discussed. Finally, some suggestions are provided for the government to strengthen the cooperation between ports and promote the construction of port facility resources. Highlights: System dynamics method is applied to handle the port operation and congestion. The EPAS, SBS and their hybrid strategy to alleviate port congestion are studied. Port congestion alleviation effects under various strategy scenarios are compared. Varied strategies have different incentive objectives and characteristics. Useful policy suggestions and managerial insights for ports and government are given.