Evaluating the Technical Efficiency of Dry-Bulk and General Cargo Terminals in Türkiye using Interval DEA

Abstract

The efficiency of bulk solid and general cargo terminals, where ore, grain, and many raw materials are handled, plays a crucial role in socioeconomic development and lays the groundwork for reasonable trade costs. This study evaluates the relative performance of dry-bulk and general cargo terminals in Türkiye with interval data envelopment analysis (DEA). The dataset consists of 21 terminals operated by private companies for 2018-2021 and has been transformed into an interval form to apply interval DEA to imprecise data. The results imply that the efficiency levels of dry-bulk and general cargo terminals in the Marmara and Mediterranean tend to increase. It can be inferred that the average efficiency level of the Black Sea terminals has remained stable over the years, and the loss of efficiency in the Aegean is remarkable. The application of the Interval DEA in evaluating the efficiency of dry-bulk and general cargo terminals in the case of imprecise data can contribute significantly to the seaport efficiency literature.