Unraveling Value Creation by Port Terminal Operators Within Maritime Logistics Systems

Port terminal operators have evolved from merely handling cargo to serving as strategic nodes that connect hinterland and foreland transportation while coordinating the broader supply chain. This transformation integrates multiple operational activities involving various stakeholders, making it challenging to oversee all port terminal functions. This study adopts a system‐based perspective, viewing port terminals as interconnected processes that generate value for operators. Using a system dynamics approach, it quantifies the value generated by different port operations at the Port of Tanjung Priok in Jakarta, Indonesia. The findings reveal that seaside operations—such as berthing and container loading/unloading—contribute the most value to terminal operators, followed by transit and storage and landside operations. Quantifying the contribution of different operational activities for value creation, this study demonstrates how value creation can be operationalized and systematically evaluated, thereby moving beyond predominantly qualitative approaches in existing research. These insights are valuable not only for port managers seeking to optimize resource allocation but also for policymakers developing national frameworks to enhance port performance and regional development.