Main Findings from the Case Studies
37
Table 3.6 Statistical Distribution of Dwell Time in Destination Countries, 2008 Indicator
Local
Transit
Burundi
Congo, Dem. Rep.
Rwanda
Uganda
Zambia
Minimum First quartile Median Mean Third quartile Maximum
0 4 9 13 17 107
0 5 12 15 22 119
0 6 15 16 24 80
0 6 13 15 21 113
0 3 7 11 15 79
0 3 7 11 16 56
0 6 13 16 23 112
Source: Dar es Salaam Port data for 2008.
Median values are always inferior to mean values, as shown by the long tails leading to higher dwell times. Irrespective of the destination country, dwell time of between five and 20 days is the most typical in Dar es Salaam port. In conclusion, the situation in Dar es Salaam is not as bad as perceived (in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa). Approximately one-quarter of shipments are problematic, but mean dwell time is around one to two weeks. This is not up to the standards of the developed world, but it is rather good for a port in a Sub-Saharan African country. In terms of benchmarking, since problematic shipments are difficult to eradicate, are related to governance or competency issues, and bias the mean dwell time, improving the performance of the first quartile or median should be the target. For Dar es Salaam, the goal should be set at between four and nine days for local traffic and at between five and 12 days for transit traffic.
Douala Recent statistics from the container terminal operator indicate an average dwell time of 19.3 days for the first semester of 2010. This value has been quite stable in the last few years, despite strong and consistent growth in traffic (figure 3.6).8 Dwell time varies significantly, with a standard deviation equal to 160 percent of the mean value (table 3.7). A sequential analysis of delays shows that this variance is mainly the consequence of variance between vessel arrival and customs declaration lodging (referred to as “arrival to lodging” delays). Delay between payment of customs dues and gate exit (“payment to gate”) also varies significantly according to shipment. These two intermediary delays account, on average, for 75 percent of total dwell time (“arrival to gate”). In contrast, the delay