Research Article
Draft Limitations and Logistics Constraints at Calabar Port: A Case Study of ECM Terminals
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
80-89
Received:
26 June 2025
Accepted:
8 July 2025
Published:
30 July 2025
Abstract: Calabar Port, as one of Nigeria's oldest and most strategically located seaports, continues to suffer from extremely low cargo volume throughput and ship calls, despite its vital importance to the nation's North-Central and Eastern districts. The port is plagued by serious operational challenges, including a shallow draft channel, poor hinterland road connections, and a lack of investment in modern cargo-handling facilities. These limitations have constrained the capacity of ECM Terminals, a concessionaire business at the port, to secure and retain cargo quantities, prompting many exporters to use alternative ports, such as Apapa, Onne, and Tin Can Island. This study investigates the extent to which draft restrictions and logistics constraints affect the operational effectiveness and competitiveness of ECM Terminals. Adopting a mixed-methods approach that contrasts throughput statistics (2016-2023), cost data, and interviews with 15 key stakeholders within the maritime and export sectors, the study lays bare the economic consequences of underutilizing Calabar Port. Findings show the consistent decline in vessel calls, high inland transport costs, and complete absence of containerized trade. Stakeholders pinpoint the necessity for dredging, improved road facilities, and the purchase of container handling equipment as crucial for unlocking the potential of the port. The research also contrasts Calabar Port with its regional peers in terms of logistics performance indices. It concludes by suggesting policy, infrastructure, and operational reforms that must be undertaken to reposition ECM Terminals and Calabar Port as potential drivers of Nigeria's non-oil export growth and balanced regional development.
Abstract: Calabar Port, as one of Nigeria's oldest and most strategically located seaports, continues to suffer from extremely low cargo volume throughput and ship calls, despite its vital importance to the nation's North-Central and Eastern districts. The port is plagued by serious operational challenges, including a shallow draft channel, poor hinterland r...
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Research Article
Implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC) or ETC (European Train Control System) in Bangladesh Railways: A Sustainable Approach
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, August 2025
Pages:
90-95
Received:
17 July 2025
Accepted:
4 August 2025
Published:
15 September 2025
Abstract: Bangladesh Railways, nowadays faces noticeable challenging issues in safety and efficiency as well as capacity due to backdated signaling and train control systems. This research evaluates the feasibility of the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC) or the European Train Control System (ETCS) to give a modern solution to Bangladesh Railway operations. A multi-criteria analysis compares economic, technical, and operational factors while case studies from the USA (PTC), Europe (ETCS), and India (Kavach) provide benchmarks. The study identifies Dhaka-Chittagong as the optimal pilot corridor and proposes a phased implementation strategy that includes cost-benefit projections. Result indicates that ETCS level to is more applicable for Bangladesh Railway because of its interoperability with future regional networks. On the other hand, PTC offers a cost-effective solution for the high- density routes. This paper concludes by giving a roadmap for adoption, working on training challenges, and addressing funds. This research mainly focuses on the feasibility of implementing PTC or ETCS to modernize Bangladesh Railway operations. A multi-criteria analysis compares economic, technical, and operational factors was made form the studies from USA (PTC), Europe (ETCS), and India (Kavach) provide benchmarks. Through multi-criteria analysis assessing economic viability, technical adaptability, and operational impact- supplemented by global benchmarks like PTC in the USA, ETCS in Europe, and India’s Kavach, the research identifies ETCS level 2 as the optimal choice for Bangladesh. The recommendation prioritizes its regional compatibility, automated safety features and scalability. While PTC remains a nice option for high-density routes, the Dhaka-Chittagong corridor (handling 60% of national rail traffic) is selected for the pilot phase due to its economic importance and existing semi-automated infrastructure.
Abstract: Bangladesh Railways, nowadays faces noticeable challenging issues in safety and efficiency as well as capacity due to backdated signaling and train control systems. This research evaluates the feasibility of the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC) or the European Train Control System (ETCS) to give a modern solution to Bangladesh Railway...
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