Operational performance of container terminals in the North Adriatic ports

Abstract

The significant increase in the number of calls by larger container ships also has an impact on productivity and therefore on the performance of container ports in the northern Adriatic. The productivity of a container terminal depends heavily on the processes at the berth, yard and in the gate area. In our analysis, we have therefore analysed the current capacity and operational performance of each terminal subsystem using KPIs (Key Performance Indicator) and outlined the investment plans required to enable the ports of Koper, Trieste and Rijeka to accommodate larger container vessels. These container ports handle less than 2.4 million TEU per year (2024), which is below what they could achieve given the backhaul market. Analyses have shown that improving the productivity of loading and unloading in the berth area is an effective measure to increase container traffic in the ports of the North Adriatic and improve their market share. Investments in the procurement of new quay cranes, increasing the draught at the berths and expanding the berths play a key role in this. Only with timely measures will the ports of the northern Adriatic be able to compete with their northern European rivals.