The significant increase in the volume and distances of road transport has highlighted the urgent need to rebalance the logistics system by increasing the market share of waterborne transport. In this context, port terminals become critical points, where waiting times generated by loading, unloading, and transfer operations lead to major economic losses. Optimizing handling technologies in relation to the size of cargo flows is essential for reducing vessel turnaround times.

This paper proposes a model for sizing port equipment based on queueing theory, with the aim of minimizing total costs generated by vessel waiting times and equipment utilization. Port activity is modeled as a mass-service queueing system, whose parameters are used to estimate and balance costs from both the perspective of port authorities and users. The study provides an analytical approach aimed at harmonizing conflicting economic interests and supporting the sustainable development of port facilities.