Repositori URV

Identifier: TDX:599

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX599

Authors:
Martín Bofarull, Mónica

Abstract:
This investigation studies the efficiency and productivity for the Spanish port system, using a non-parametric methodology based in the frontier model. The objective of this study is to understand to what extent the increase in competitiveness results in efficiency and productivity port improvements.Before the empirical application, we propose the theoretical basis of the regulation of the port activity and the importance of the competitive environment in the port sector. With the objective to advance in the empirical evidence about the results of the reform process in the Spanish port system we estimate, in non monetary terms, the efficiency evolution and the productivity changes, differentiating between short term and long term.This analysis studies the '90-99' period, during which two key aspects can be outlined: the restructuring in the stevedoring sector, initiated in '86, and the legislative change in the Spanish ports that took place in '92. The results of this empirical study reveals minor improvements in the short term efficiency, also at he same time resulting in productivity improvements leading a more efficient performance of ports for the long term. In the context of the efficient intermodality becoming more important as a key factor for the movement of any type of goods, this kind of studies on the Spanish port reforms are significantly important.