Assessment of Efficiency of the North Adriatic Container Terminals.

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]