Key factors of container port competitiveness: A global shipping lines perspective

To analyse the competitiveness of container ports, it is crucially important to identify and characterize the key factors of competitiveness. Their relative importance depends on the location of the port, the situation in the market and it can be perceived differently by different groups of stakeholders. The aim of this study was to examine factors of global competitiveness of container ports as perceived by shipping lines. The research method applied was a quantitative primary non-random social sampling. Data were collected from survey participants via a business-oriented social network. Two statistical methods were used to rank and group these factors: a Friedman test and a post-hoc analysis involving Least Significant Difference test (LSD). Shipping executives (n = 120) stressed the importance of three factors: container terminal service quality, social harmony with labour and adequate nautical accessibility. This corresponds with growing size of container ships, which require deep water container terminals and reliable port services. Shipping lines' decision makers need services of a high standard and with a low risk of labour-related disruptions to maintain their own high level of service quality. These strong views are held by decision makers of shipping lines with over 250 employees, while smaller organisations are more lenient on container terminal requirements. Survey results were also presented per continent, which clarifies any differences in importance of competitiveness factors based on geographical location. This may be useful for competitiveness gap analysis at a more granular level. Port operators and regulators should take these findings into account and address them in ports’ strategic plans.