• http://dx.doi.org/10.18235/0011526

Inter-American Development Bank (2016). Replication Data for: Benchmarking Container Port Technical Efficiency in Latin America and the Caribbean: 1999–2009. IDB Open Data. https://doi.org/10.60966/14ggp5r6

1. English

What does this dataset measure?

It reports technical efficiency scores for container ports, derived from a stochastic frontier model, enabling benchmarking of container port efficiency.

Which ports are included?

The dataset encompasses 63 container ports across Latin America and the Caribbean, ranging from major hubs such as Santos (Brazil) and San Juan (Puerto Rico) to smaller regional ports.

What time period does the dataset cover?

Efficiency scores are available for the years 1999–2009, along with an average score for each port.

How is container port efficiency calculated?

Scores are estimated using a stochastic frontier model that compares ports’ outputs against regional best practices.

Can I compare performance across countries?

Yes. Each port entry is linked to its country, enabling cross-country comparisons of container port efficiency and identifying regional leaders.

What is the Container Port Performance Index, and how does it relate to this dataset?

This dataset provides inputs for the Container Port Performance Index, which examines long-term port performance and competitiveness in the region.

Which ports are the most efficient in Latin America and the Caribbean?

The dataset includes an “Average” score for each port, enabling ranking by efficiency.

How can policymakers and researchers use this dataset?

The data can support studies on port logistics, trade facilitation, infrastructure investment, and competitiveness in the global shipping industry.

Are there missing values in the dataset?

Yes. Some ports have gaps in certain years, particularly in the late 1990s; however, most data points are filled from 2002 onward.

What defines efficient container port operations?

Efficiency is measured by how well ports convert resources (berths, cranes, labor) into throughput. The dataset uses a stochastic frontier model to calculate technical efficiency scores, showing how close each port is to optimal performance.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for maritime container terminals?

The dataset tracks efficiency scores, which reflect KPIs such as vessel turnaround time, berth productivity, and crane utilization. For example, Montevideo (Uruguay) averaged 82.27, while Santos (Brazil) averaged 84.29 between 1999 and 2009.

What are port efficiency strategies for supply chain managers?

Ports with consistently high scores (e.g., Itajaí, Brazil, at 83.47) demonstrate strategies like investment in infrastructure and streamlined operations.

What are the top 10 most efficient container ports in Latin America (1999–2009)?

Based on average scores:
- Montevideo, Uruguay – 82.27
- Santos, Brazil – 84.29
- Itajaí, Brazil – 83.47
- San Juan, Puerto Rico – 80.59
- Puerto Limón, Costa Rica – 78.53
- Guayaquil, Ecuador – 78.36
- Callao, Peru – 65.63 (rising sharply post-2005)
- Colon CT, Panama – 62.73 (with peaks above 85 in 2007–2008)
- San Antonio, Chile – 80.42
- Cartagena, Colombia – 63.85 (with strong growth after 2006)

What are the primary KPIs used to measure container terminal productivity?

Efficiency scores are derived from throughput relative to inputs. KPIs include berth occupancy, crane productivity, and vessel turnaround time.

How to improve container port efficiency?

Ports with rising scores (e.g., Callao, Peru, from 44.33 in 1999 to 82.92 in 2009) illustrate that investment in infrastructure and modernization can significantly boost efficiency.

What are the main bottlenecks limiting container port efficiency?

Ports with low averages (e.g., Corinto, Nicaragua, at 30.83) highlight bottlenecks, including limited infrastructure, poor equipment, and labor inefficiencies.

What are container port efficiency improvements for small coastal ports with limited budgets?

Smaller ports like Puerto Cortés (Honduras) improved from 52.46 in 2000 to 76.05 in 2009, showing that incremental investments and operational reforms can yield efficiency gains.

What are the best data sources and current research gaps on container port efficiency in Latin America?

This dataset provides historical efficiency scores for 63 ports. Gaps include post-2010 data, impacts of automation, environmental sustainability metrics, and hinterland connectivity analysis.