Ports across the Middle East took four of the top five spots in the second edition of the Global Container Port Performance Index (CCPI).
Developed by World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence, CPPI looks into global container port performance and acts a reference point for key stakeholders.
Topping the rankings in 2021 was Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Port, regional competitors Port Salalah in Oman, Hamad Port in Qatar, and Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi completed the top five listing.
Jeddah Islamic Port also featured high in the rankings – taking eighth place.
The rankings were based on time vessels needed to spend in port to complete workloads over the course of 2021.
“Increasing the use of digital technology and green fuel alternatives are two ways countries can modernize their ports and make maritime supply chains more resilient,” said Martin Humphreys, Lead Transport Economist at the World Bank and one of the researchers behind the index.
“Inefficient ports represent a significant risk for many developing countries in that they can hinder economic growth, harm employment, and increase costs for importers and exporters. In the Middle East, heavy investments in container port infrastructure and technology are proving to be effective.”
The report also highlighted the resilience of East Asian ports and the capacity of Chinese ports to effectively handles challenges brought on by the pandemic.
According to recent data, the Ports of Ningbo, and Guangzhou both featured in the top 10 most efficient ports in the world.
Turloch Mooney, Associate Director, Maritime and Trade at S&P Global Market Intelligence, added: “The pandemic highlighted in stark terms the pivotal role port performance plays in the timely supply of goods to countries and their populations.
“The effects of the pandemic on key global gateways and associated supply chains are very worrying and continue to cause severe supply delays and shortages of goods, leading to higher prices and negatively impacting the financial situation of many companies.”
The top 20 most efficient ports in the world in 2021 are listed below.
