Ports structural and operational benchmark: methodology and application to Mediterranean basin

Starting from morphology and equipment, a synthetic method able to provide with indicators representing the ports' performances was setup. The knowledge basis, built on cartography, statistical data, port master plans, sectorial researches, required important efforts in terms of integration and homogenisation. The method's development is basing on a survey extended to the Mediterranean basin, progressively identifying a sample of ports by additive selection criteria, including geographical location, layout's morphology, traffic typologies, consistent data availability. A set of indicators characterising ports' performances allows benchmarking and matching to derive useful design and operational feedback. The achieved results include homogeneous indicators for dimensions, equipment and performances, useful for design and planning purposes, operational check, identification of bottlenecks and project needs. The extension of the sample (39 study cases in the Mediterranean basin) entrusts the values of results. Interesting maps and thematic analysis deals with wharfs' extension vs. sea depth and basin surface, length of route, docks' density, ships turnover rate, productivity index, docks utilisation, approaching time. Moreover, the global operational capacity and the related present utilisation rate was calculated taking into account internal routes' network, compatibility among routes, manoeuvring times, distribution of traffic by route.