IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND MANAGEMENT RESEARCH (IJSSMR )

E-ISSN 2545-5303
P-ISSN 2695-2203
VOL. 11 NO. 5 2025
DOI: 10.56201/ijssmr.vol.11no5.2025.pg87.110

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Containerisation Impact on Efficiency of Port Logistics Operations. The Case of Dar es Salaam Port, Tanzania

Andrew Hezekia, Lucas P Mwisila, Eliamini Kassembe

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Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of containerization on the efficiency of port logistics operations at the port of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Specifically, it examines the impacts of containerization on three key areas: Port transport management, port order management, and port supply and distribution. The study adopted a targeting population of 88 and a sample size of 72. A mixed-methods approach was deployed and data that incorporated both qualitative and quantitative data were collected through interviews, questionnaires, and documentary review. Data was analysed by using tables, frequency data distribution, and percentages, and interpreted by descriptive and inferential statistics to derive meaningful insights from the survey responses. Summary tables for the analysis of the data, results revealed a significant positive contribution of containerisation to maritime trade relative to three key areas of port logistics operations. The first aspect was port transport management; the study reveals that containerisation improves port transport efficiency, reduces transport time and costs, enhances cargo security, simplifies documentation process, reduces labor costs, and increases cargo transportation capacity. The second aspect was port order management, in which containerization enhances shipment traceability, tracking, visibility and improves accuracy; the third aspect was port supply and distribution, under which the containerisation improves cargo delivery timeline and enhancement hinter-land modes interconnection through inter- modal-ism and milt-modalism. This study provides evidence that apart from the capital requirement to construct infrastructures, there is a need to adopt the application of advanced technology in utilizing containerization. The study concluded that Dar es Salaam port still has not reaped the gains of containerisation and lacks competitiveness when compared with other developed ports around the

keywords:

Containerization; Port logistic Operations; Port transport Management; Port supply and distribution

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