An Evaluation of Performance Measurements and Their Influence on Benchmarking in Nordic-Baltic Container Ports
Abstract
Maritime transport has played a crucial role in global trade for many years; with seaports serving as gateways to endless opportunities and connections, the significance of port performance has grown substantially for both shipowners and cargo owners. Shipowners aim to reduce port stay to increase annual cargo throughput, while cargo owners demand punctual deliveries and greater flexibility. These considerations, along with the surge in global trade, have reshaped the port industry's landscape. Competition within the sector has intensified, especially in regions with geographically proximate ports. Consequently, productivity has become a critical factor for maintaining a competitive advantage. Scholars and industry professionals investigated measuring and improving productivity more accurately for an extended period due to the velocity of the shipping industry.
Many measurement methods depend on restrictions and indicators that affect the port's productivity in the broader range, but they can not be changed in the short run. Accordingly, reflection on practical usage might remain limited. Hence, this study aims to identify, compare and contribute to port performance measurement methodology throughout this paper by conceptualising fundamental and detailed research questions on port performance measurement and benchmarking usage.
According to the research, this paper identified different practices in academia and industry in terms of port performance measurement. Academia uses complex frameworks, meanwhile industry practices partial productivity methods in addition to differences in conceptualising indicators and factors. Consequently, this paper created a potential linkage between the industry and academia thanks to existing literature and research in industry. Potential suggestions for improving port performance measurement methods and our understanding are provided to industry and academia by focusing on the operational details in addition to benchmarking practices to increase port attractiveness and competitiveness.