Performance evaluation and solutions for port congestion focused on the container terminal: a case study of Khalifa bin Salman Port (KBSP) Kingdom of Bahrain

Mohamed Ebrahim A.S. Alhameedi
Abud Jamal Said
Tri Wahyunita Mudjiono

Abstract

This paper contains quantitative and qualitative data analyses where literature review has been carried out to discuss the importance of ports, how ports are significant in the overall supply chain, key/port performance indicators and suggestions to mitigate congestion. Firstly, an analysis of 2 years of key performance indicators (KPIs) for KBSP has been made to measure KBSP container terminal performance. Secondly, the reseachers have used regression analysis to forecast future throughput (the dependent variable Y) of KBSP versus more than 10 (independent variables X1 to X10) followed by an interpretation of the results generated in the E-views software. Thirdly, the stakeholder’s voice has been considered, and a minimum of 50 surveys were collected to express port customers’ insights in the analysis and final evaluation. SWOT analysis has also been carried out to provide an insight into the Bahrain maritime industry and how internal and external factors are affecting KBSP performance. The qualitative and quantitative analysis are put together to form a meaningful interpretation for solid terminal performance evaluation. Thus, a discussion was performed to analyze and link the result of the port KPIs, E-views regression, SWOT and the questionnaire for evaluating KBSP performance and coming up with possible solutions. Finally, a recommendation was written upon the completion of the collective analysis to set the suitable congestion mitigation measures in order to cope with the current/future performance trends to meet port customers’ expectation.