Title: Port infrastructure efficiency: the Europe-Mediterranean case

Authors: Qianwen Liu, Francesca Medda

Addresses: Centre for Transport Studies, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK. ' Centre for Transport Studies, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK

Abstract: The objective of this research is to estimate the infrastructure efficiency of individual ports, to investigate factors that influence efficiency and to shed light on infrastructure investment strategies. Thirty-two container ports in Europe-Mediterranean area have been assessed using stochastic frontier analysis. The result indicates the exogenous (environmental) factors, trading volume, which has a strong impact on port efficiency. Moreover, the infrastructure efficiency is improving over time, but the annual percentage change in output is slower than the technological change. This phenomenon is suggested due to over capacity, one of the most featured characteristics in container port industry. Different investment strategies to utilise and control over capacity in port management practice have been explored and suggested.

Keywords: container ports; infrastructure efficiency; stochastic frontier analysis; SFA; port infrastructure; infrastructure investment strategies; port management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2009.027680

International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics, 2009 Vol.1 No.4, pp.361 - 385

Published online: 07 Aug 2009 *

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