ASSESSMENT OF SHIP-TO-SHORE (STS) HANDLING EQUIPMENT AND VESSEL TURNAROUND TIME IN EASTERN PORTS OF NIGERIA

Abstract

    Ship-To-shore (STS) handling equipment is inevitable in port operations as it plays a crucial role between the ship and port. Consequently, inadequate provisions for Ship-To-shore (STS) handling equipment impede cargo handling operations. Hence, the need to evaluate the impact of Ship-To-shore (STS) handling equipment on vessel turnaround time in the eastern ports of Nigeria This study adopts a survey research design. This was carried out in all the Eastern ports situated in the South-South region of Nigeria, amongst which are the River Port Complex, Onne Port Complex, Calabar Port, and Delta Ports Complex in the South-South region of Nigeria. The Target Population includes the staff of the Nigerian Ports Authority and Terminal operators at the Eastern ports in Nigeria. The result showed that the F ratio, which is 467.622, was statistically significant at a p value of 0.00, which is less than 0.05; hence, there is a significant relationship between Ship-To-shore (STS) handling equipment and vessel turnaround time. The study concluded that Ship-to-Shore (STS) handling equipment upgrades will speed up vessel turnaround at the port. Also, improved infrastructure reduces the total time spent by vessels at the port and permits bigger vessels to enter and exit the port. It was recommended that the Nigerian Ports Authority prioritize the dredging of the navigational channel to accommodate larger ships for efficient and productive vessel operations.   Keywords: Ship-To-shore (STS) handling equipment, vessel turnaround time, port operations, terminal operators, Nigerian Ports Authority