Title:
COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF OPERATIONS EFFICIENCY BETWEEN MAJOR SEAPORTS IN SOUTHERN AND EASTERN AFRICA USING DEA WINDOW ANALYSIS

Authors:
Msabaha Juma Mwendapole, Mahamudu Mashaka Mabuyu, Jumanne A. Karume and Lucas P. Mwisila

Abstract:
The operations efficiency of Southern and Eastern Africa seaports was evaluated using DEA window analysis covering the period of ten years (2010-2019). The operations efficiency among the selected seaports from South and East African countries were compared and evaluated. The container throughput (TEUs), the available number of cranes, the quay length, the number of berths obtainable to hold up ships, and the total terminal area have been used as variables for input and output. The findings were; that East African seaports have a lower container throughput volume (TEUs) and are smaller seaports size compared to South African seaports, but these East African seaports in general are more efficient than South African seaports. However, Durban seaport specifically in South Africa has been found to be the most efficient seaport among the six selected seaports from both regions (South and East African seaports). Moreover, the findings revealed that the least efficient seaport for the selected region over ten years is the Walvis Bay seaport in South Africa. In this regard, policy maker should embrace private and public investments as financial alternative sources. The timely, investment in ports promotes a culture to modernise seaports so as to cope with the technological changes in maritime transport and improves seaport competitiveness and quality of services. The findings will be important in considering the selection of the future development strategies to be implemented by the seaports which are involved in this study.

Keywords:
Seaport Operations Efficiency, Container Throughput Volume, South and East Africa, Decision Making Units, DEA Window Analysis

DOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.52267/IJASER.2022.3501