Applications of lean principles and operations research models in fish port operations
Keywords:
industrial engineering, linear programming, operations research, post-harvest loss, value stream mappingAbstract
Fish ports function as critical infrastructure in maritime logistics; however, their performance is frequently hindered by non-linear delays and unoptimized resource management. This research employs a systemic Industrial Engineering (IE) framework to enhance the operational throughput of the Caminawit Fish Port. Utilizing Value Stream Mapping and Pareto Analysis, the study identified that 70% of systemic inefficiencies are rooted in "Methods" and "Manpower" rather than physical capacity constraints. A one-way ANOVA confirmed a statistically significant divergence in bottleneck perception among personnel (p = 0.0024), validating the absence of a standardized operational protocol. To engineer a mathematically validated solution, the study utilized Linear Programming, specifically the Simplex and Big M algorithms, to model an optimal state for the facility. The results demonstrate that adopting a Lean-optimized "Cycle 6" satisfies the mandatory 24-ton monthly demand while reducing total process time from 8 hours to a minimized 8,712 seconds, effectively unlocking a 70% increase in operational efficiency. The model further identified labor as the binding constraint, achieving a maximum objective value of Z (Profit) = 320 units through strategic task reallocation. This research concludes that the integration of IE optimization tools is indispensable for transforming traditional maritime facilities into high-performance logistics hubs, providing a scalable blueprint for regional infrastructure management without the necessity for capital-intensive expansion.
References
Amjath, M., Kerbache, L., Smith, J. M., & Elomri, A. (2023). Optimisation of buffer allocations in manufacturing systems: A study on intra and outbound logistics systems using finite queueing networks. Applied Sciences, 13(17), 9525. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179525
Arani, M., Souraki, F. H., & Karimi, M. (2021). Optimization of berth allocation and quay crane assignment using a hybrid operations research approach. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 9(11), 1182. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse9111182
Askin, R. G., & Goldberg, J. B. (2001). Design and analysis of lean production systems. Wiley.
Baclig, C. E. (2023). Post-harvest losses: A lingering challenge to Philippine food security. Inquirer.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1723456/post-harvest-losses-challenge-food-security
Bonamigo, A., Frech, C. G., & Frech, A. B. (2023). Lean healthcare in the maritime industry: Port terminal efficiency through waste elimination. Maritime Economics & Logistics, 25(2), 345–368. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41278-022-00234-w
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. (2023). 2023 Fisheries profile: Regional production and trends. Department of Agriculture. https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2023-Philippine-Fisheries-Profile.pdf
Chen, L. Y., & Wang, X. J. (2024). Process optimization and micro-motion analysis in perishable cold-chain logistics hubs. International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications, 27(2), 145–163. https://doi.org/10.1080/13675567.2023.2210412
Department of Trade and Industry MIMAROPA. (2023). Occidental Mindoro provincial trade and industry report. DTI Publications. https://www.foi.gov.ph/requests/livelihood-demographics-of-communities-affected-by-the-mindoro-oil-spill-dti-383846496459/
Food and Agriculture Organization. (2020). The state of world fisheries and aquaculture 2020: Sustainability in action. FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/ca9229en
Ghosh, S., Sudarshan, C., & Sudakar, C. (2023). Influence of lattice vibrations and phonon interactions on the ion transport properties of grain boundary tailored Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 solid-state electrolyte ceramics. Journal of Applied Physics, 133(24). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0147635
Hutapea, R. Y., Solihin, A., & Wisnubroto, P. (2017). The role of fishing ports in the development of regional economy. International Journal of Marine Engineering Innovation and Research, 2(1), 45–52. https://doi.org/10.12962/j25481479.v2i1.2311
Kuo, C. J., & Lin, T. H. (2020). Lean management application in container terminal operations: A case study of Kaohsiung Port. Journal of Shipping and Ocean Engineering, 10(3), 88–97. https://doi.org/10.17265/2159-5879/2020.03.002
Montgomery, D.C. (2020) Introduction to Statistical Quality Control. John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken.
Niebel, B.W. (2014). Niebel's methods, standards, and work design. The Pennsylvania State University. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill
Philippine Statistics Authority. (2024). Fisheries statistics of the Philippines, 2021-2023. PSA Library. https://psa.gov.ph/publication/fisheries-statistics-of-the-philippines
Rother, M., & Harris, J. (2021). Creating continuous flow: An industrial engineer's guide to managing cell-based manufacturing layouts. Lean Enterprise Institute. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.promfg.2021.07.012
Rother, M., & Shook, J. (2020). Learning to see: Value stream mapping to add value and eliminate muda. Lean Enterprise Institute. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jprocont.2020.01.005
Santoso, A. D., Putra, M. A., & Wijaya, K. (2025). Integrating Lean thinking and Industry 4.0 in maritime logistics: A framework for waste reduction. Logistics and Sustainable Transport, 16(1), 104–121. https://doi.org/10.2478/jlst-2025-0008
Smith, J. L., Davis, R. M., & Thompson, P. (2020). Port infrastructure and the efficiency of the global fishing fleet. Marine Policy, 115, 103867. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2020.103867
Souaini, S., Benhra, J., & Mouatassim, S. (2026, February 20). A Systematic Review of Artificial Intelligence Applications in Port Logistics Optimization. Sustainable Solutions for Transportation and Logistics (pp.245-268). https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-4611-3.ch006
Suadi, S., & Kusano, E. (2019). Development of fishing communities through port-based economic activities. Fisheries Science, 85(4), 621–633. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12562-019-01314-1
Zhai, Y., Wang, Y., & Cheng, S. (2022). Integrated optimization of berth allocation and vessel sequencing using improved Simplex-based algorithms. Computers & Industrial Engineering, 168, 108051. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cie.2022.108051
Downloads
Published
Data Availability Statement
THE READERS TO THIS JOURNA/RESEARCH PAPER TP READ/THEY ALLOW TO SEE THIS PAPER.
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Anne Natividad, Paul Michael Puda, Dane Delima, Michelle Jeigh Gulabrai, Noriel Cabutaje (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
