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Background: This paper addresses the common question of how service providers compare to their competitors and what their competitive advantages are. It focuses on the North Adriatic ports of Trieste, Koper, Rijeka, Venice, and Ravenna, all members of the North Adriatic Ports Association, analyzing their position, size, competitiveness, and role in the container market. Methods: The research employs three distinct methods: market structure analysis using several concentration indices, the R method for ranking terminals, and aggregation of these indices to create a combined index for port performance. Results: Based on the rankings, indicators, the BCG matrix, and future development plans for each terminal, the ports are ranked as follows: Koper, Rijeka, Trieste, Venice, and Ravenna. Koper emerges as the leader, positioned in the high market share and strong growth category. This advantageous position allows Koper to efficiently attract traffic without requiring substantial investments. Conclusions: The contribution of the work is that the specific measure indices were applied, which were not used in the analysis of the North Adriatic container terminals until now. The research provides both a broad and detailed understanding of the position, role, and condition of each terminal. This insight enables stakeholders to take timely, strategic actions aimed at boosting productivity and traffic, ultimately improving their competitive standing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates the efficiency of the container terminals of north Adriatic ports Rijeka, Koper and Trieste. The methodology is based on Data Envelopment Analysis. The ports' container throughput data for the last 12 years have been taken into consideration. Possible changes in the terminals' operational efficiency were observed. The study furthermore assesses organisational inefficiencies; on that basis, possible solutions for improving the terminals' operational efficiency were discussed. Based on input and output data, analysis results signal early warning regarding the terminals' inefficiency. The results can be used for improving ports' operations and making key management decisions. They also indicate potential procedures aimed at maintaining a competitive market position in the observed region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]