Assessment of the Impact of Port Investments on Port Operational Performance: A Case Study of Major Seaports in Tanzania, with a Focus on the Moderating Role of Improved Port Facilities
This study assesses the effect of port investments on the port operational performance of Tanzania’s three main seaports, Dar es Salaam, Tanga, and Mtwara. The research aimed to identify the connection between investments in superstructure, infrastructure, and logistics services and port performance, while also evaluating the moderating role of ongoing facility improvements. Specifically, the study assesses the relationship between investment in superstructure and seaport performance, evaluates the link between investment in infrastructure and seaport performance, analyzes the relationship between investment in logistics services and seaport performance, and investigates how continuous facility improvements influence these relationships. The study adopted a positivist philosophy and an explanatory cross-sectional design, using a quantitative approach. A sample of 385 respondents, including Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA) employees, shipping agents, and clearing and forwarding agents, was drawn through stratified random sampling. Data were collected via structured questionnaires and secondary sources, then analyzed using descriptive statistics and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Reliability was confirmed with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients above 0.7. Results showed statistically significant positive relationships between improved superstructure, infrastructure, and logistics services, and port performance (p < 0.05). Continuous improvement of port facilities significantly strengthened these relationships. The study concludes that infrastructure upgrades, enhanced superstructures such as cranes and ICT systems, and streamlined logistics operations contribute substantially to port efficiency, throughput, and service quality. It is recommended that TPA intensifies investments in automation, digitization, and integrated communication systems, and prioritizes continuous upgrades to meet international competitiveness standards.
Keywords: Port investments, Superstructure, Infrastructure, Logistics services, Port performance, Continuous improvement
