PORT PERFORMANCE MEASURES: IDENTIFICATION, SUMMARY AND ASSESSMENT OF PORT FLUIDITY AND CONGESTION MEASURES

Prepared by: Mary R. Brooks Transportation Consulting

July 16, 2015

ABSTRACT:

This research explored how port performance is being measured in Canada and elsewhere, specifically on performance metrics that are commonly used to address congestion, responsiveness and fluidity in port systems around the world. The study addressed port performance issues in the context of a broader multi-modal transportation system in the global supply chains, and identified the appropriate approaches with respect to cargo surge capacity. The study confirmed that Canada is not alone in facing the challenge of handling cargo surges or in keeping pace with the ever-increasing container vessel sizes in recent decades. The research reviewed global and national trends, identified gaps in Canadian practices and highlighted possible next steps to help ensure that the Canada’s port system has the capacity and nimbleness to support economic activity across all sectors over the short, medium and long term. The study compared global best practices in performance metrics in Europe, Australia, the United States and Canada, and developed a holistic approach to port performance measurement based on a goal-dimension framework. The final report recognizes Transport Canada’s world-leading position in port performance metric development, and suggests adding seven metrics to the existing data collection efforts.

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