Relationship between Supply Chain Collaboration and Container Shipping Operational Efficiency: A Case Study of COSCO Shipping Line, Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, Nigeria

Container shipping is the operational backbone of Nigeria's maritime trade, yet persistent inefficiencies, extended vessel turnaround times, high cargo dwell times, and recurrent port congestion, continue to undermine port performance. This study examined the relationship between supply chain collaboration on the efficiency of container shipping operations, using COSCO Shipping Line's operations at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos as a case study. Specifically, the study examines the relationship between of information sharing, coordinated planning, and joint decision-making on container shipping operational efficiency; examine the relationship between supply chain collaboration, cargo dwell time performance and port congestion management; and identify the major barriers associated with effective supply chain collaboration among maritime stakeholders at Tin Can Island Port. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, with 60 respondents selected from a target population of 200 personnel across seven organisational categories involved in container shipping operations at the port. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The internal consistency of the research instrument was assessed using Cronbach's Alpha, which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.78, indicating acceptable internal consistency. Findings showed that collaboration among stakeholders was limited, particularly in joint planning and decision synchronisation; information sharing had a statistically significant positive effect on operational efficiency (β = 0.375, p < 0.008), joint planning and decision synchronisation shows no significant effect (β = 1.678, p <0.099), collaboration was significantly correlated with cargo dwell time performance (r = 0.380, p < 0.003) and port congestion management (r = 0.438, p <0.001); and that lack of trust among stakeholders was the most significant barrier to collaboration (mean = 3.21). There was a statistically significant positive relationship between supply chain collaboration and operational efficiency (r = 0.563, p < 0.001), accordingly, the null hypothesis was rejected, indicating that supply chain collaboration is significantly associated with container shipping operational efficiency. It was therefore concluded that supply chain collaboration significantly enhances container shipping efficiency at Tin Can Island Port, but that its full potential is constrained by weak inter-organisational trust and underdeveloped joint planning mechanisms.

Supply Chain Collaboration, Container Shipping, Operational Efficiency

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