Browsing by Author "Sigera, I"

Now showing 1 - 9 of 9

item: Conference-Full-text
Analysis of factors affecting vessel turnaround time at bulk terminal in port of Trincomalee
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2024) Silva, K; Sigera, I; Gunaruwan, T. L.
Efficient vessel turnaround time is pivotal for optimizing port operations and enhancing competitiveness. This study investigates factors affecting vessel turnaround time at the bulk terminal in the Port of Trincomalee. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, quantitative laytime calculation data and qualitative expert surveys were employed to develop a comprehensive process map and identify bottlenecks in the turnaround process. Quantitative analysis revealed insights into the time consumption for each activity, facilitating the development of a detailed process map. Qualitative data provided expert perspectives on operational challenges, corroborating quantitative findings and enhancing the accuracy of bottleneck identification. By integrating quantitative and qualitative findings, specific bottlenecks were pinpointed, paving the way for targeted interventions to improve operational efficiency. This research contributes to the optimization of vessel turnaround processes at the bulk terminal, thereby fostering competitiveness and sustainability in port operations.
item: Conference-Full-text
Analysis of factors considered by shipping lines in initiating new container liner services
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2024) Madushani, P; Sigera, I; Gunaruwan, T. L.
The global maritime transport sector is a vital component that acts a key role in facilitating international trade, ensuring the reliable and efficient transportation of cargo all over the world. The level of competition in this industry is extremely high, and shipping companies are always observing ways to improve their networks by either modifying existing networks or building new networks. To achieve this, shipping lines make strategic decisions about initiation of new container liner services. This research examines the key factors considered by shipping lines when launching these services, aiming to shed light on their decision- making process and recognize potential future trends in container liner shipping. Secondary data synthesis and expert interviews were done to identify the factors that shipping lines consider when initiating new container liner services. Then Analytical Hierarchical Process was used to evaluate the relative importance of those identified factors. Demand-side factors, supply-side factors and services specific factors were the main three criteria, and 13 sub criteria were categorized under these three. Data for the AHP analysis was gathered through a questionnaire survey with industry professionals and pairwise comparisons were done within all the main criteria as well as sub criteria using a 9-point semantic differential scale. Results show that demand-side factors are the most influential factors when initiating new container liner services and main two sub criteria are trade volume and growth, customer requirements. By understanding these priorities, stakeholders can develop services that are not only commercially successful but also minimize environmental impact, optimize resource allocation, and promote social responsibility within the industry.
item: Conference-Full-text
Analyze the potential of developing port of Colombo as a cruise hub in South East Asia
(IEEE, 2020-07) Amarathunga, O; Sigera, I; Edussooriya, C; Weeraddana, CUS; Abeysooriya, RP
This research paper describes a comprehensive study done to identify the cruise port infrastructures and port side supply for improved cruise operation in the port of Colombo, in order to capture the future potential to develop as a cruise hub in south-east Asia. Similarly, it assesses the current situation of the port of Colombo and identifies the global best practices and strategies to identify what are the cruise market demand factors and supply-side capabilities. Based on the objectives of the study, 47 required cruise port evaluation criteria and global strategies were identified by observing previous studies and literature reviews. Under the evaluation of opinions of industry experts, Factor rating was used as primary data analysis tools, to filter out the most significant factors. Main factors, which contributed to cruise port development are port infrastructure, cruise shipping policies, services for cruise passengers and political and regulatory framework.
item: Conference-Full-text
Assessing the oil supply chain risk in Sri Lankan petroleum industry
(IEEE, 2021-07) Fernando, M; Sigera, I; Adhikariwatte, W; Rathnayake, M; Hemachandra, K
Energy security is a critical challenge in today's world. The petroleum product supply chain is highly uncertain due to geopolitical tension and inherent complexity. Sri Lankan petroleum product requirement entirely relies on the global oil supply chain. The research was planned to study the oil supply chain risk in Sri Lanka. Risk factors and disruptions were identified using a literature review and a pilot survey. The expert opinion survey was conducted along with probability impact analysis to assess the risk factors. It was highlighted that the lack of infrastructure facilities is the main barrier to ensure energy security in Sri Lanka. Gasoline was identified as the most vulnerable refined product type due to ever-increasing demand. Subsequently, a forecasting model was developed using ARIMA to determine the future Gasoline demand. It was revealed that additional monthly Gasoline shipment will be required in the next two years' time.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Development of conceptual model for main line container vessel berth allocation in a transhipment container terminal
Karunathilaka, KUPC; Sigera, I
Berth allocation is essential for efficient terminal utilization in container ports and it can identify as a most critical activity which should manage in strategic ways to achieve long term benefits. Previous studies have empathized that, Port/ Terminal congestion i.e unexpected waiting times before berthing, as a main factor which affects to the schedule unreliability in container Shipping. Terminal operators’ objective is to minimize the sum of port staying times of container vessels while maximizing berth occupancy of terminal and that minimizes dissatisfaction of the ships in terms of the berthing order. Main container Shipping lines strive to maintain their sailing schedules to manage expected level of schedule reliability. Focusing on that, this research is aimed to develop a common model which beneficial to both Container Terminal Operators & Shipping Lines when arranging berths in container terminals. The study was focused on main line container vessels’ berth allocation practices in Transshipment container terminals. Analysis of the study was carried out from both Terminal operators’ and Shipping Lines’ aspects. Eight criteria have identified from terminal operators’ aspect which are consider when allocating and prioritizing berths for incoming container vessels. From the Container shipping lines’ aspect eight criteria have identified which are consider by them when requesting berths for their vessels. Finalized criteria from both aspects were structured in to two questionnaires and one sent to the managerial level of selected ten major transshipment terminals and other one sent to the ten leading container shipping lines in world. Collected expert judgments regarding the subject criteria was analyzed using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique and as a final outcome those were ranked based on the weight assigned. Products of the two aspects were combined to develop a common model which considered to be as a win-win approach. Common criteria from both aspects have extracted to develop a product of two matrixes. In common model criteria named “Berthing Pro-Forma” ranked as a most critical and important one having weight of 0.2701. Other seven criteria were ranked based on the calculated weights as Punctuality of service (0.2255), Investment in terminal (0.1791), Liner connectivity (0.1268), Commercial aspects (0.0862), Relationship and market power (0.0537), Service agreements and policies (0.0317) and Special requirements (0.0222). Since mentioned eight criteria make a positive impact on the berthing arrangement equation has developed by adding those together. Within this study applicability of the modal to the real-world berth vi allocation problem have discussed as a final step of the analysis. As currently practiced in container terminals, berth allocation has done based on the practical experience and intuition of relevant professionals and it was an activity they daily performed. Since they are focusing on this as a day to day activity, in long term negative impacts can occur due to customer dissatisfaction. This happens because terminal operators and shipping lines are working separately to achieve their individual objectives by neglecting the importance of mutual agreements. That gap will fill by this study and developed model can use in berth allocation which may generate long term mutual benefits to both parties. Future studies can be focusing on to apply the same concept in feeder line operation and any type of port terminal.
item: Conference-Full-text
The economic impact of port operation at Port of Hambantota on regional development & industries (Hinterland)
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2021-10) Ranaweera, DS; Sigera, I; Gunaruwan, TL
Port of Hambantota is the second largest port in Sri Lanka, which is located 10 nautical miles away from the international east-west maritime route at a key advantage. One of the main objectives of port of Hambantota is to develop as a transshipment hub in the South-Asia region. Ro-Ro operation, bulk operation, and bunkering operation are currently handled at port of Hambantota. This research study aims to identify the economic impacts of the port of Hambantota on regional development and dispersion or location of industries of its Hambantota port hinterland. The objectives are, calculate the number of job opportunities and expenditure who are involving direct and indirect employees at port of Hambantota, study what industries are developing in the future, and forecast the future ro-ro operation. Survey-based method and secondary data are collecting and used the descriptive analysis as the methodology of research. The research findings are, under the direct, indirect, and induced impacts, found the number of job opportunities and expenditure for them. According to past data analysis, future vessel arrivals and cargo handling capacity can be increased with expanding future hinterland operation around the port of Hambantota.
item: Conference-Full-text
Emission standards’ impact on shipping lines’ cost in containerized freight transport: a critical review
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2024) Gunaratne, N; Sigera, I; Gunaruwan, T. L.
The maritime sector has been under increasing pressure due to strict environmental regulations. Shipping companies face difficulties in meeting emission standards while keeping operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness at desired levels. This study looks into the approaches taken by shipping companies to meet emission standards and evaluates how they affect operational expenses. This study utilized a critical review method to examine previous research on adherence to emission standards in the maritime sector. The database Scopus was used for the literature search. The initial Scopus search yielded 174 documents in the search results. After systematically filtering out 174 papers, 49 peer-reviewed journals were reviewed. The method of inductive reasoning was used to group papers according to themes. Through qualitative data analysis tools, insights were extracted to understand the strategies employed by shipping lines and their cost implications. The study revealed a range of strategies adopted by shipping lines, including fuel switching, engine optimization, and route optimization, with varying impacts on operational costs which can be categorized into three main themes; (1) Operational measures (2) Environmental technologies and (3) Fleet management techniques. Emerging trends and innovative approaches in emissions reduction and cost management were identified, contributing to a broader understanding of sustainable practices in the maritime industry.
item: Conference-Full-text
Study the affecting factors for break bulk vessel turnaround time at Port of Colombo
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2021-10) Weerarathna, J; Sigera, I; Gunaruwan, TL
This research is mainly focused on identifying the affecting factors for break bulk Vessel Turnaround Time (VTT) at Port of Colombo and the relative importance of each factor to VTT using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Identified eleven (1. Berths unavailability, 2. Weather conditions while vessel berthing, 3. Administrative and financial issues, 4. Pilotage delays, 5. Weather conditions while cargo handling operation, 6. Inefficiency of ship cranes, 7. Equipment breakdown, 8. Labour issues, 9. Shifts changing, 10. Cargo unavailability, 11. Cargo clearance delays) factors are categorized (as sub-criteria) into three main criteria considering break bulk vessel handling procedure. Berthing delays, cargo handling delays, cargo availability related delays are the main criteria of the AHP model. Calculated weights of main criteria and global weight of sub criteria represent the relative importance of affecting factors for VTT. Among the main criteria, cargo handling delays is the most influential factor while berthing delays is secondary. All sub factors are ranked according to their global weights. Weather conditions while cargo handling operation, shifts changing, berth unavailability and, inefficiency of ship cranes are the critical areas that needed to be considered when reducing VTT of break-bulk operations in port of Colombo.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Use of the Baltic Dry Index as a leading economic indicator to predict Asian share market performance
(Sri Lanka Society for Transport and Logistics, 2016-06) Samarasena, CA; Sigera, I; Gunaruwan, TL