- World Bank Group’s Container Port Performance Index report shows that average global container port efficiency declined between 2020 and 2024.
- Red Sea crisis, Panama Canal restrictions and pandemic were key factors in the decline in efficiency.
Global container port productivity experienced a notable decline between 2020 and 2024, driven by a series of overlapping global disruptions, reports Lloyd’s List.
From the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic to crises in the Red Sea and operational constraints at the Panama Canal, the efficiency of many ports worldwide has been significantly impacted. These challenges have affected vessel schedules, cargo flows, and terminal operations across both developed and developing regions.
Disruptions drag down global box port productivity
The latest global rankings and performance data, drawn from hundreds of ports and hundreds of thousands of vessel calls, paint a mixed picture. East Asia continues to lead in overall port productivity, with several of its ports occupying top spots in the global rankings. South Asia has shown marked improvement, with 2024 performance figures rebounding strongly from the previous year. In contrast, North American and European ports have remained relatively stable, with little performance change over the same period.
Interestingly, several ports in developing economies have demonstrated impressive gains. Ports like Dakar in Senegal, Jawaharlal Nehru in India, Mersin in Türkiye, and Port Said in Egypt have shown that with the right mix of investment, policy focus, and operational reform, significant improvements are possible. These ports have benefitted from enhanced cooperation with global terminal operators, investment in critical infrastructure, and modernization of trade-related procedures.
Among the core strategies that have helped improve port efficiency are the adoption of 24/7 crane operations, better scheduling and deployment of port equipment, and increased use of digital systems to streamline logistics. Meanwhile, ports that lag behind continue to struggle with outdated infrastructure, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and the effects of global shipping volatility.
Despite the overall decline in productivity, the report suggests that targeted reforms and strong leadership can drive real progress. In an increasingly interconnected world, port performance is more than just a logistics issue—it is central to economic resilience, trade competitiveness, and the ability of global supply chains to absorb future shocks.
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Source: Lloyd’s List
