LOGISTICS EFFICIENCY ANALYSIS OF MEDITERRANEAN CONTAINER TERMINALS: A DEA AND SFA COMPARISON OF PORT SAID EAST, TANGIER MED AND PIRAEUS

Islam El-Nakib

Abstract


This research investigates the operational efficacy of Mediterranean container terminals. This research examines the obstacles to regional competitiveness encountered by Port Said East (Egypt), Tangier Med (Morocco), and Piraeus (Greece), which are attributable to the Red Sea crisis and concurrent transformations in global supply chains. This research assesses the operational efficacy of three Mediterranean container terminals Port Said East, Tangier Med, and Piraeus to examine regional competitiveness challenges in the context of the Red Sea crisis and evolving supply chain dynamics. Building upon the work of Cullinane et al. (2006), thisresearch employs frontier methodologies to detect performance deficiencies, with a particular focus on infrastructure and digitization to improve globalization and logistics performance rankings. A quantitative case research methodology was adopted, incorporating Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) utilizing CCR and BCC models, in conjunction with Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA). Cross-sectional data pertaining to the year 2024 were obtained from port authorities and World Bank reports, evaluating variables such as quay length, crane capacity, and terminal area in relation to TEU throughput. Hypotheses validated the positive effect of infrastructure on productivity. Following a $500 million expansion, Port Said East achieved full operational efficiency (CCR: 1.0, BCC: 1.0) in 2024, processing 4.44 million TEU. It is ranked as the third-best port globally according to CPPI. Tangier Med achieved a score of 1.0 in both models, with a total of 10.24 million TEU across the complex, ranking fifth. Piraeus exhibited operational inefficiencies (CCR: 0.78, BCC: 0.85) attributable to scalability challenges, processing 4.79 million TEUs. This research introduces an innovative post-crisis DEA/SFA approach applied to Mediterranean ports, incorporating sustainability considerations. Limitations encompass dependence on secondary data and a cross-sectional design, which may potentially overlook dynamic processes. The research encourage private sector collaborations and the adoption of automation to enhance operational efficiency. In addition, it Promotes employment generation and decrease emissions to support regional stability. 

Keywords


Container Terminals, Efficiency, DEA, SFA, Egypt, Morocco, Greece, Sustainability.

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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/MARLOG.2026.15.1.119

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