Review article

A Non-Parametric Evaluation of South African Ports

Adeola Oluwatoyin Osundiran orcid.org/0000-0002-9883-1528 ; University of South Africa, Graduate School of Business Leadership, Midrand, South Africa

Abstract

A non-parametric evaluation of South African ports is critical due to the current operational and
technological issues affecting the South African port. The study framework relies on the Port efficiency
theory. The researcher purposively selected the Container Ports of Cape Town, Coega, Durban, East
London, and Port Elizabeth. The researcher used secondary data collected from the Transnet Port
website to evaluate the port productivity between 2010 and 2023. The Malmquist Productivity Index
(MPI) evaluates port efficiency using multiple inputs and outputs over time. The results of the research
reveal MPI=1.07 which is a slight improvement in productivity, for the Ports of Cape Town, Coega,
and Durban. The Port of East London has a slightly higher Productivity Index of MPI=1.27. Port
Elizabeth had MPI=1.09. Based on these results, the researcher recommends that the port management
make proper and correct strategic decisions regarding training on the utilization of artificial intelligence
and blockchain technology as a tool to facilitate trade.

Keywords

South Africa, Malmquist Productivity Index, Port Productivity, Port Efficiency.

Hrčak ID:

330006

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/330006

Publication date:

9.4.2025.

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