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A Comprehensive Study on Static and Dynamic Operational Efficiency in Major Korean Container Terminals Amid the Smart Port Development Context

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  • Lele Zhou

    (Center for Security Convergence and e-Governance, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea)

  • Woojong Suh

    (Department of Business Administration, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

Today, the concept of “smart ports”, which are designed to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness, has emerged as a key paradigm in the port and maritime industry. As an integral component of maritime transportation networks, container terminals in ports play a crucial role in facilitating international trade and stimulating economic growth. Accordingly, the Korean government has steadily pursued policies and investments to improve the technological capabilities of ports, focusing on container terminals. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive research that thoroughly analyzes the operational efficiency of container terminals in domestic ports undergoing smart port technology implementation. Therefore, this study analyzes the operational efficiency of 20 container terminals across five major domestic ports, which are forerunners in smart port transformation, as declared by the Korean government. This study employs a Principal Component Analysis (PCA)–Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach to increase the effectiveness of the analysis and addresses efficiency in two aspects: static and dynamic. The findings indicate that container terminals under Ulsan Port and Busan Port (New) have the best operational efficiency. In particular, Ulsan Port demonstrates significant improvement in terms of efficiency changes. The conclusion emphasizes the pivotal role of technological progress in achieving higher efficiency among container terminals. In addition to providing policymakers and port managers with useful insights into smart port transformation, this study is expected to make theoretical contributions to expanding the perspectives of port efficiency research by simultaneously encompassing static and dynamic analyses.

Suggested Citation

  • Lele Zhou & Woojong Suh, 2024. "A Comprehensive Study on Static and Dynamic Operational Efficiency in Major Korean Container Terminals Amid the Smart Port Development Context," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-26, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:13:p:5288-:d:1419595
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yuanxu Li & Xin Tian & Zhaoxu Lu & Junfeng Wu, 2025. "Impact of Digital Transformation on Sustainable Development of Port Performance: Evidence from Tangshan Port," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-21, July.
    2. Prabowo Budhy Santoso & Haryo Dwito Armono & Raja Oloan Saut Gurning & Danang Cahyagi, 2025. "Beyond River Port Logistics: Maximizing Land-Constrained Container Terminal Capacity with Agile and Lean Operation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-24, June.
    3. Yugowati Praharsi & Mohammad Abu Jami’in & Devina Puspita Sari & Putri Rahmatul Isti’anah & Hui-Ming Wee, 2025. "Developing Key Performance Indicators for a Port in Indonesia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-27, May.

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