Today we spent the morning at the Port of Limassol. While there we saw presentations from four different companies/organizations. First, we visited the Cyprus Port Authority (CPA) who spoke on their regulatory role in the port. Next, we visited the DP World Cruise ship terminal and learned how the company manages the wide range of traffic this port services. From passengers to oil to automobiles, DP World handles anything. We also heard from DP World’s subsidiary company, O&P Maritime. O&P discussed how their pilots and tugboats assist in daily port operations. Finally, we visited the EuroGate container terminal. Here we focused on the types of machinery required to load and unload containers from cargo ships as well as the process of storing containers. Overall, the morning was very informative and an excellent lesson on supply chain management, which I will discuss more below. Following a tour of the port we visited the Limassol Marina for lunch. After lunch the class split into two groups: explore the port or visit the Paradox Museum. I choose the latter and had an amazing time playing with all of the cool illusions housed in this museum. Tonight’s plan is another walk to the Marina for dinner and a sweet treat.
On the most basic level, all four companies we visited at the port connect to the transit step in the supply chain. Without cargo ships and the ports that berth them global trade would as we know it cease to exist. Reliable transportation is a pillar of effective supply chain management and that is exactly what these companies work to provide. Additionally, the port as a whole provides a perfect example of virtual integration. There are many functions to the port and no one company handles it all. Instead, CPA, DP World, O&P, and EuroGate all work together to ensure all required functions are met while each company is able to specialize in one aspect of port operations. Another supply chain topic that directly relates to today’s company visits is the idea that you must balance efficiency and responsiveness. A specific example of this coming up is when we were speaking with P&O. Their HR manger mentioned that ships must provide two-hour notice on change of itinerary. This allows the port to respond and alter their berthing plans and aids in efficiency by reducing the amount of time the ship needs to idle at sea. Examining the companies behind the Limassol Port was an excellent way to learn about the supply chain and how the concepts we learned in class are applied in the real world.
