Assessing the impact of the Boankra inland container terminal on the operational performance of the seaports of Ghana

Purpose: Traffic congestion and limited cargo space have for a long time been a herculean challenge hindering the smooth operation of most seaports globally due to an increase in container trade. To provide a lasting solution to these challenges, most contemporary seaports have adopted the strategy of developing inland container terminals to help manage their cargo influx. This study assesses the impact of the Boankra inland container terminal on the operational performance of the seaports of Ghana, taking into consideration the operational performance variables affecting seaport and inland container terminal operations.

Methodology/design/approach: The primary data used in this study was gathered using structured questionnaires. A total of 245 responses representing the opinion poll of the key architects involved in container movement to and from the seaports of Ghana was received. The dataset of the study and hypotheses of the model was tested using partial least square structural equation modelling to obtain the model fit.

Findings: The findings of the study suggest that value-added services, location, government policies, intermodal transport system, and capacity of inland container terminal have a direct significant influence on the: output of seaport, the productivity of seaport, utilization of resources, and quality of services offered by a seaport. The findings further reveal that the intermodal transport system of an inland container terminal has no direct significant influence on the output of seaport and utilization of seaport resources even though it might have an indirect significant influence on these variables.

Originality: The study provides a very insightful and thought-provoking theoretical knowledge on the direct significant relationship between an inland container terminal and its seaports. It also explains how an inland container terminal directly influences the operational performance of its seaports. The study further serves as a guide to policymakers and port authorities on policy formulation towards inland container terminal development and its integration into seaport operations.