OPTIMIZATION OF OPERATIONS IN DURRES PORT CONTAINER’S TERMINAL

This paper gives an overall picture of various operations in Durres port containers terminal. Since this port is very new in containers handling operations, there are a number of issues to be addressed. Container terminal operators are providers of container handling services and with the shifting trend toward containerization of exports and imports, pressure on container terminal operators has increased in order to handle containers efficiently. During the recent years, the volume of general cargo that has been handled in this port has been gradually reduced and instead, a continuous and rapid growth of containerized cargoes has been observed. In order to have an effective and productive terminal, a number of factors need to be studied, because the higher the terminal productivity, the higher the difference between the revenues and the costs will be. The time in handling container ships is crucial; therefore it becomes necessary for any containers terminal to handle the containers in the most efficient manner where there is a smooth flow of containers in and out of terminal. Taking in account the space limitations of Durres port containers terminal, this is of vital importance. The operational activities of the terminal should be in such a way that it must be able to handle maximum no. of twenty foot equivalent unit (TEU’s). For this purpose, it is necessary for the Durres port containers terminal to perform its activities in coordination with all other activities. This will result in a reduced waiting time for ships, less turnaround time for trucks, better space management, lower dwell time, customer satisfaction, and more TEU handled annually.