Classification of Spanish ports using cluster analysis

Abstract

The Spanish port system is extremely complex and admits the study from many points of view. In this article the ports are studied from the point of view of classification in clusters according to their external characteristics. For this purpose, indicators have been used that reflect the port activity and have been applied on the 28 Spanish Port Authorities. With these indicators, a specific methodology has been applied through the analysis of clusters (cluster) to find out which clusters are produced. The cluster analysis is complemented by other analyzes (main components, multivariate analysis and individual indicators) to know which indicators are the most relevant in clusters and how they behave. The final results obtained show that this type of statistical studies are appropriate to be carried out in the port environment and that the groupings correctly reflect the port reality.