“Does bigger mean slower?” Investigating the relationship between vessel characteristics and turnaround time

This study investigates the relationship between vessel characteristics, specifically vessel type (VT), vessel size (VS), and vessel turnaround time (VTT). By analyzing data from 173 vessels that called at Chittagong Port, this study employs nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Dunnett T3 post-hoc tests to examine the impact of VT and VS on VTT. The results reveal significant differences in VTT across different vessel types and sizes. These findings suggest that VT and VS are critical factors influencing VTT, providing a novel theoretical framework for analyzing port performance. The study proposes that port authorities should consider vessel characteristics when formulating policies and allocating resources to ensure overall port efficiency. The proposed framework offers a valuable tool for future research and practical applications in port management, facilitating informed decision-making to enhance port efficiency.