Title: Influence of gang productivity of labour on ship turnaround time at Dar es Salaam Port

Authors: Ereneus Steven Kashangaki; Lihoya Chamwali

Addresses: Department of Business Studies, Dar es Salaam Campus College, Mzumbe University, Tanzania ' Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Economics, Mzumbe University, Tanzania

Abstract: Efficient port management is crucial for maritime trade and economic growth. This study used a Mixed Effects Panel Model to analyse data from 2018-2022, exploring the influence of labour gang productivity on ship turnaround time at Dar es Salaam Port. Secondary data from TPA and TASAC, along with diagnostic tests (Lagrange Multiplier, Hausman, Chow, Wooldridge), confirmed the model's robustness. Findings revealed that a 10% improvement in gang productivity reduces turnaround times by 15% for general cargo and Ro-Ro ships, and by 7% for dry bulk cargo. Additionally, a 20% increase in equipment capability leads to a 12% reduction in turnaround time. These results underscored the interdependence of labour productivity and equipment efficiency. To enhance output, recommendations include regular equipment maintenance, public-private partnerships, and continuous labourer training. These measures could reduce turnaround times by up to 30%, boosting the competitiveness of Dar es Salaam Port in regional trade.

Keywords: TPA; Tanzania Ports Authority; TASAC; Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation; ship turnaround time; labour gang productivity; dry bulk; general cargo; Ro-Ro; mixed effect panel model.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLEG.2025.146831

International Journal of Logistics Economics and Globalisation, 2025 Vol.11 No.2, pp.175 - 195

Received: 18 Aug 2024
Accepted: 11 Nov 2024
Published online: 20 Jun 2025 *

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