Optimization of Loading and Unloading Service Performance and Facility Requirements at Sofifi Sea Port toward 2030

Background: Sofifi Port is an important logistics distribution hub for the capital of North Maluku Province, but its service performance has not fully kept pace with increasing vessel traffic and cargo volumes. Objective: This study evaluates the optimization of cargo-handling services at Sofifi Port and formulates a phased development strategy through 2030. Methods: A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed, integrating operational performance analysis for 2024–2025, multiple linear regression analysis involving 195 port users, field observations, and interviews with five groups of informants. Operational indicators included berth time (BT), effective time (ET), the ET/BT ratio, waiting time (WT), cargo-handling productivity, and berth occupancy ratio (BOR). Results: BT decreased from 53.9 to 28.7 hours, ET decreased from 18.7 to 10.8 hours, and the ET/BT ratio increased from 34.7% to 37.5%. WT remained relatively stable at 18.2–18.5 minutes. However, cargo-handling productivity declined from 12.6 to 5.3 tons per hour, while BOR increased from 74% to 77%. The regression model was statistically significant, F(2, 192) = 88.720, p < 0.001, with R² = 0.480 and adjusted R² = 0.475. Physical infrastructure (β = 0.546) showed a stronger association with service performance than system administration (β = 0.411). Conclusion: Services at Sofifi Port cannot yet be considered optimal. Optimization efforts should prioritize short-term operational improvements, medium-term facility upgrades through 2030, and longer-term regional logistics integration based on a phased smart port concept.