Determining the position of container handling ports, using the benchmarking analysis: the case of the Port of Piraeus.

In the highly competitive environment of the port industry, port businesses should be provided with a strategic tool for positioning of their business. This paper suggests a model for port business positioning in a defined, competitive market based on the benchmarking technique. The main attributes of this model expand in three levels: (a) the port business can estimate its competitiveness using the Port Competitiveness Degree (PCD); (b) the results provided are an indirect method for estimating port performance; and (c) this model can be used as a strategic tool for the identification of operational weaknesses to be confronted in order to achieve best relative (to competitors) performance. The model could be applied in every port market or port within it. In this paper the model is applied for the case of the Port of Piraeus in the Mediterranean port market. The paper contributes to the port industry providing port authorities and port operators with a tool supporting management, strategical planning and decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]