A model for the translation of South African economic activity into shipping container demand

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Quay wall container forecasts are often done by broad-stroke methods with large-scale infrastructure decisions then based on these forecasts. This research problem requires an investigation into more accurate long-term forecasting methods. A mixed methods research design was followed, combining quantitative and qualitative data, with the primary objective to establish design requirements for and to develop a content-based quay wall container framework. Secondary objectives were to also establish design requirements for quay wall modelling frameworks for transhipment and empty containers. These secondary objectives originated from exposure to literature and data from the primary research.The aim of this dissertation was to redefine the importance and usefulness of content-based container forecasting techniques. This would enable port planners to base their container volume forecasts on economic activity, i.e. validated demand, and not on the perceived reality of historic containers or other broad indicators.The mixed method design combined literature on container modelling techniques, demand-side and supply-side container shipping factors and the impact of port networks on quay wall container volumes. The literature showed only a few scholars venturing into the field of high granularity container forecasting methods. Those that did propose methods used mostly derivatives of traded commodities like GDP, trade, or population growth as input drivers. Many scholars referred to, but very few used container contents in their modelling, mostly due to data unavailability.Rich secondary datasets received from various parties, i.e. TNPA, SARS, TFR and shipping lines, were all instrumental in understanding the relevant parameters. All datasets contributed in their own way to the development of the final set of parameters. To support this secondary data, primary research was conducted with freight owners, industry associations, LSP's, shipping companies, port authorities and terminal operators via a survey and focus groups. Feedback from survey respondents and focus groups confirmed the user requirements identified earlier. It also confirmed the importance of the identified requirements and the inputs that were obtained from analysing container content data.Design requirements were consolidated from all the mixed methods research inputs. Key parameters to forecast full container volumes across the quay wall are:• Spatial disaggregation to define outputs per international geographic region and per port;• Rate of containerisation of each commodity;• Commodity port preference;• Physical container types;• Weight of commodity per physical container type.The container modelling frameworks and modelling process for three functional typologies, were developed based on the design requirements. The inputs, parameters, modelling process, forecasting influencers and outputs for each of the defined functional typologies were discussed separately with a confidence level for each of the aspects. The confidence levels provides an indication of the current status of the parameter values and provides guidance towards future improvement areas.The container modelling frameworks went through a verification and validation process. The proposed model is expected to provide a more accurate container forecast to port infrastructure planners. Using these drivers in forecasting models will inform port planners with validated demand towards calculated decisions on initiating port container infrastructure projects at the right moment in time.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University