Work

From a Distance to a Process Perspective: A Method for Assessing the Feasibility of a Port–Dry Port System

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Ports often act as bottlenecks in import cycles. Yet feasibility assessments of port–dry port systems still privilege distance/location over the process dynamics that generate time and cost. This paper proposes a process-centred feasibility method that links process analysis and reengineering, operational cycle design, and economics. We map AS-IS/TO-BE activities, design shuttle-train operations between port and dry port, and estimate costs via a time-driven approach aligned with TDABC. The method is applied to the Port of Genoa—Rivalta Scrivia dry port. Consolidating containers to a single inland destination and relocating customs clearance to the dry port via Fast Corridor stabilises yard operations, removes re-handling in the port-to-dry-port cycle, reduces dwell, and improves train formation and reliability. Under these conditions, the process-based configuration becomes time- and cost-competitive vis-à-vis all-road and conventional block-train baselines for relevant inland destinations. This paper reframes feasibility from a distance-based view to a process, cycle, and economics logic, offering managerial guidance and policy implications on regulatory enablers that unlock dry-port benefits.

Source: Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/app152111715

Authors: Claudia Caballini, Hilda Ghiara, Giovanni Gommellini

Institutions: Politecnico di Torino, University of Genoa

Language: English

Topic: Maritime Ports and Logistics

Subfield: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896