Port and Terminal Operations
Shipping technology has been undergoing a revolution since the introduction of steam engine. The increase in population has resulted in in the raise of trading activities. Therefore, shipping industry faced the need to change for better adaptability to these numbers. As such, it has developed in response to the changes in the international market in order to provide its services efficiently. This paper will examine shipping technology and the factors that affect the development of port operations.
To enhance shipping services, a number of measures have been put in place. First, the introduction of container ships has revolutionized the amount of cargo carried by cargo ships. Ports have increased in size over the last few years as large cargo ships require large ports. However, the efficiency of ports has reduced because cargo ships take a long period to be cleared (Talley, 2011). The delays affect the entire supply of goods. Secondly, the use of information technology has changed operations at the port. Information technology allows ports to increase the level of intra-port communication. Increased communication boosts the level of electronic business (Woźniak, 2014). Therefore, information technology has improved data communication systems; ports can process large volumes of documents, such as bills of lading and customs filings over a short period.
The development of port operations requires the establishment of certain facets. Therefore, for the efficient running and development of port operations, certain factors have to be put into consideration such as the existence of intermodal transport systems. Inland transport facilities have the effect of increasing the number of passenger liners and cargo ships at the ports; at the same time, tourists using shipping liner prefer ports that have been linked to the inland transport systems. Consequently, road and rail transport enables ports to increase efficiency in operations as goods move at a faster rate. Moreover, international shipping companies use local ports, increasing their profits (Song & Panayides, 2015). Those companies may require ports to have specific facilities before doing business there. So, the demand for better facilities improves port operations to meet the required standards. In addition, government policies play a big role in infrastructural and business development. For instance, the policies that increase bottlenecks increase the number of delays at the ports accordingly.
References
Song, D.-W., & Panayides, P. M. (2015). A guide to contemporary shipping and port management. London: Kogan Page.
Talley, W. K. (2011). The Blackwell companion to maritime economics. New Jersey, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Woźniak, K. (2014). Managing organizations in the information society. Texas, TX: Mfiles pl.