Value stream mapping of ocean import containers: A process cycle efficiency perspective

Abstract

International cargo transportation is majorly dependent on marine transport, which moves 80% of the international cargo. With the increase in vessel size and the same yard area available for container transportation, it is important to study the processes and understand the efficiency of the container operations process. This research paper aims to review the import container transportation process and understand the process cycle efficiency through lean six sigma concepts. The process is evaluated from the operations process perspective and documentation process at one of the ports of India. The research has been designed by conducting an industry expert review on the process of container transportation from vessel berthing to gate out for import containers, utilising lean six sigma principles such as value stream mapping (VSM) and process cycle efficiency. The results have contributed to the existing knowledge in identifying the waste in the container handling process and demonstrated the inefficiency in the system from the perspective of waiting time of containers due to customs examination, scanning, and inter-terminal handling and movement. The process cycle efficiency of 40% is calculated by analysing the detailed time of handling containers from vessel berthing to gate out. A new future value stream mapping is proposed considering the process cycle efficiency. Future studies will focus on studying this process for export containers and benchmarking the results with the top-performing ocean ports globally.