The purpose of this study is to examine the best container terminal types adapted to each country's conditions in terms of payability and to identify factors that are largely taken into consideration for that. Evaluating economics of container terminal type prior to taking decision is worth because we have to know in advance whether profit falls short of its expectation against enormous investment and thoughtlessly pursuing automation.
In this study, identifying the best container terminal types is approached by calculating payback period. This is examined by making a formular compound of factors, specifically the accumulated interest rate on investment, an increase in tariff and the operation expenses according to price index, max handling capacity, market condition, and personnel expense etc. According to the calculation that come together with those factors, payback period can be obtained. Applying the formula to several countries, it is shown that payback periods will be taken for 16 years in the most optimized type of Korea, which is vertical yard automation operated by yard tractor, 3 years in all the type in USA and 7~8 years in all the type in Indonesia.
As this study indicates that the payback period depends on different consideration of factors in each countries, it is very important to choose operation type aligned with the conditions by regional groups and country by country. This study enables us to offer assistance on finding the best container terminal type for 30 years operation. Additionally, when all the factors are fixed, a strategic terminal tariff rate adhering to the minimum could be estimated.