Efficiency and productivity of container terminals in Brazilian ports (2008–2017)

Abstract

After the economic recession in which Brazil was immersed during the years 2015 and 2016, signs of recovery are perceived through port activity. The objective of this research is to analyze the efficiency and productivity of 20 container terminals in Brazilian ports for the 2008 to 2017 period. The methodology used is stochastic frontier analysis and operational port indicators including variables such as the frequency of calls. The most significant findings obtained from the efficiency analysis reveal that private terminal operators are more efficient. The average technical efficiency level was 0.66 in 2008 and in the last year 0.51.