1. ¹Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestão, Technical University of Lisbon, Rua Miguel Lupi, 20, Lisbon 1249-068, Portugal. E-mail: cbarros@iseg.utl.pt
2. ²GEREM, IAE, Université de Perpignan, 52 avenue Paul Alduy, F-66860 Perpignan, France. E-mail: peypoch@univ-perp.fr

Abstract

This paper proposes a framework for benchmarking Italian and Portuguese seaports and the rationalisation of their operational activities. The analysis is based on the Luenberger productivity indicator. A key advantage of this method is that it allows for both input contraction and output expansion in determining relative efficiencies and productivity changes. Benchmarks are provided for improving the operations of those seaports that perform worse than others. Several interesting and useful managerial insights and implications arise from the study. The general conclusion is that the benchmarking of multi-country seaports gives a different picture than the one obtained by benchmarking the seaports of a single country, reflecting different cultural traditions and managerial practices.