A CORRELATION ANALYSIS OF VESSEL CHARACTERISTICS AND CONTAINER THROUGHPUT FOR SELECTED COUNTRIES (2018-2023)

Olapoju Olabisi Michael*

This study investigates the relationship between vessel characteristics and container throughput from 2018 to 2023. Using Pearson correlation analysis, three major vessel parameters—age, average size, and carrying capacity—were examined to determine their influence on throughput performance. The findings reveal that vessel age exhibits a strong negative correlation with container throughput across all years, indicating that older vessels contribute less to port efficiency. Conversely, vessel size and carrying capacity display moderate positive correlations with throughput, although their effects slightly weaken over time. These results underscore the importance of fleet modernization and port infrastructure improvement to sustain throughput growth. The study concludes that technological advancement, green fleet renewal, and enhanced port capacity are essential for optimizing container handling performance and achieving competitiveness in the global shipping network.

Keywords: Container throughput, Vessel characteristics, Port performance, Fleet modernization, Maritime efficiency.

*Department of Geography, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria; oolapoju@oauife.edu.ng
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