What are the key factors and criteria for selecting a container terminal location and design?

1 Demand and capacity

One of the first steps in selecting a container terminal location and design is to assess the current and future demand for container handling services in the region, as well as the existing and potential capacity of the terminal site. Demand analysis should consider the volume, type, origin, and destination of containers, as well as the seasonality, variability, and growth trends of the market. Capacity analysis should evaluate the physical, operational, and technical constraints and opportunities of the terminal site, such as the water depth, land area, berth length, quay cranes, yard equipment, storage space, gate systems, and intermodal connections.

2 Location and accessibility

Another important factor in selecting a container terminal location and design is the location and accessibility of the terminal site, both from the sea and from the hinterland. Location analysis should consider the proximity and competitiveness of other terminals, the availability and cost of land, the environmental and social impacts, and the strategic alignment with the port authority and the government policies. Accessibility analysis should consider the navigability and safety of the access channel, the traffic and congestion of the port area, the connectivity and reliability of the road, rail, and inland waterway networks, and the compatibility and integration with other transport modes and logistics services.

3 Layout and configuration

A third key factor in selecting a container terminal location and design is the layout and configuration of the terminal facilities, such as the quay, the yard, the gate, and the intermodal terminal. Layout and configuration analysis should consider the optimal arrangement and allocation of space, equipment, and resources to achieve the highest productivity, efficiency, and flexibility of the terminal operations. Layout and configuration analysis should also consider the trade-offs and synergies between different design options, such as linear or finger piers, single or double stacking, automated or manual handling, and dedicated or mixed-use terminals.

5 Cost and revenue

A fifth key factor in selecting a container terminal location and design is the cost and revenue of the terminal project, both in terms of capital and operational expenditures and income. Cost and revenue analysis should consider the initial investment and maintenance costs of the terminal infrastructure, equipment, and technology, as well as the operational costs of labor, energy, and materials. Cost and revenue analysis should also consider the expected income from the terminal services, such as handling fees, storage charges, value-added services, and intermodal tariffs.

6 Risk and uncertainty

A sixth key factor in selecting a container terminal location and design is the risk and uncertainty that can affect the viability and profitability of the terminal project. Risk and uncertainty analysis should consider the internal and external factors that can influence the demand, capacity, location, accessibility, layout, configuration, technology, innovation, cost, and revenue of the terminal project, such as market fluctuations, competition, regulation, disruption, climate change, and security. Risk and uncertainty analysis should also consider the mitigation and adaptation strategies that can reduce or cope with the potential impacts of risk and uncertainty on the terminal project.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?