Lecture 11: Shipping Dynamics Flashcards
Who are port users?
Those who utilise the port as part of the cargo or passenger movement process (e.g. shipowners, truck owners, shippers, and passengers).
What is meant by economies of scale?
Cost advantages obtained due to expansion, leading to decreased unit cost per TEU/ton as output increases.
What are the three main costs associated with vessel economies of scale?
Operating cost, Capital cost, and Bunker cost.
How do operating costs behave with vessel size increase?
Insurance and maintenance increase; admin, stores, consumables, and manning don’t increase as much.
How do capital costs change with vessel size?
Bigger vessels cost less per unit, but savings diminish as vessels get bigger.
How does bunker cost behave with vessel size?
Bunker consumption per unit decreases with larger vessels, but savings also diminish.
What is Under Keel Clearance (UKC)?
The distance between the lowest point of the vessel’s hull and seabed to avoid touching the bottom due to wave motions.
What does UKC influence?
Depth alongside requirement for berthing deep-draft vessels.
What is Berthing Clearance?
The safety clearance between 2 adjacent vessels to avoid collisions during berthing and mooring operations.
What happens if there is insufficient UKC?
Operations may be suspended; maintenance dredging is needed to increase depth alongside.
What is a solution to insufficient berthing clearance?
Extend quay length, if possible (e.g. PSA’s 3.5m).
Who are port users?
Shipping lines, barge companies, logistics service providers.
What are 3 key requirements from port users?
Higher port rate, shorter port stay/turnaround time, more stable vessel stowage plan.
What is port stay?
The duration of berthing hours at the port.
How is port rate requirement related to operations?
Directly linked to resources deployed, e.g. no. of quay cranes (QC).
Give an example of port rate requirement calculation.
If Maersk requests 120 mph and QC rate = 30 mph, then 4 QCs are needed.
What is needed to match terminal yard area support with quayside performance?
Increase QC rate and improve horizontal transport like RTG/RMG rates.
What affects prime mover turnaround time?
Efficiency of in/out-gatehouse processing and terminal yard performance.
What improves prime mover turnaround time?
Better resources, layout planning, and increased gatehouse processing rates.
What is the stowage plan requirement?
Detailed arrangement for safe and efficient loading/unloading of containers.
What improves stowage plan efficiency?
Better planning in ship planning, yard planning, control, and terminal yard operations.
What is the aim of fulfilling port users’ requirements?
Enhance Terminal Operating System (TOS) and uplift productivity and equipment performance.
