Analysis of the optimization of port time for improve inter-islands port performance during pandemic COVID-19.

Inter-island ferry services in archipelagic countries have their characteristics. Instability in the number of passengers is common at ports in the hinterland. This condition is reinforced by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has occurred globally in the last two years. Furthermore, to maintain performance, port-time service optimization is needed. This research was conducted at an inter-island port in Riau Archipelago, an archipelagic area directly adjacent to Singapore, Malaysia, and the South China Sea. The research method is to optimize port-time services using the simplex method. The results showed that the basic solution of the optimum solution with a value of z = 65 with x₁ = 2.00 and x₂ = 0.75. The most optimum port-time service is achieved within 65 minutes by reducing activities at risk of transmitting COVID-19. One of the new-normal approaches is by eliminating the face-to-face shipping administration management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]