An Analysis of the Productive Efficiency and Competitive Strength of Container Ports using the DEA, Super-efficiency, and FDH Methods

The purpose of this paper is to Investigate the productive efficiency and competitive strength of world container ports using the DEA, Super-efficiency, and FDH methods with the raw data from previous research by Jun et al.(1993). The super-efficiency measure examines the maximal radial change In input, outputs for an observation to remain efficient. Therefore, it provides a means of distinguishing between efficient observations, which would otherwise seem identical. FDH provides a good test mechanism for examining the practical implications of the choice available among alternative efficiency measures and orientations, because of the lack of convexity of its production possibility set. Both methods are complementary to DEA. This paper follows the traditional productivity analysis method overcoming the limitation of previous studies by using the DEA, FDH and Super-efficiency methods, and proposing in measure the relative competitive strength of worldwide container ports. The main empirical results of this paper are as follows: Firstly the ports of Singapore, Hongkong, Kilrung, Busan, Tokyo. and Longbeach were found to be efficient In the CCR model. The ports of Felixstowe, Bangkok, Singapore, Hongkong, Kilung, Busan, Tokyo, and Longbeach were found to be efficient in the BCC model. Secondly, super. efficiency rankings under CRS and input-oriented model are as follows: Longbeach, Keelung, Singapore, Busan, Tokyo, and Honkong. However, it was difficult In differenciate the rankings under the VRS and input-oriented model. due to major difficulties posed by the ports of Singapore, Hongkong, and Longbeach. Thirdly, the FDH method shows that the inefficient ports are Bremerhaven, Antwerp, Le Havre, Kobe, Seattle, New York The policy Implications of this study are as follows: Firstly, when port authorities want to measure the international competitive strength of container ports and enhance their productive efficiency, they should consider the traditional method as well as introducing the Super-efficiency and FDH methods. Secondly, according to the analysis results of the super-efficiency and FDH methods, poll authorities should recommend benchmarks ports and dominated ports as reference ports in order to enhance the productive efficiency of their container ports that have an efficiency rating of less than 1. Efficient ports whose efficiency ratings are over 1 in the Input-oriented Super-efficiency model should also consider the usage of input and output elements used by more efficient ports.