Impact of Container Management on Port Logistics Efficiency of Karachi Port

Abstract

In recent decades, containerisation has revolutionised the international trading pattern. Increased global container trade has led to the arrival of larger ships, burdening port resources. The ship size has grown faster than the ports. Many shipping lines have formed alliances to cut costs. Pakistan’s main seaport at Karachi handles about 60% national trade and has three container terminals. This study examines the relationship between port resources and logistics efficiency, with the mediating effect of container management. This will fill the research gap to examine port resources, container management, and logistics efficiency with resource dependence theory and the economic theory of the port and find the reasons for inefficient port performance. The research hypotheses were formulated through the lens of resource dependence theory and the economic theory of the port to address research questions. The study employed a positivist research paradigm and collected cross-sectional data from the respondents to test research hypotheses. The population of this study was from the port and related organizations of Pakistan, with 332 valid responses. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyze the collected data through a survey questionnaire based on a convenience sampling technique. The results revealed that port resources positively influenced port logistics efficiency directly, and when mediated by port container management. However, insignificant results were achieved when port container management mediated between port infrastructure and port logistics efficiency. The study suggests a port improvement plan that can be useful to higher management in Karachi and other ports of developing countries. The study includes limitations, prospects for future research, and recommendations.