The Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), developed by the World Bank, is widely regarded as a benchmark for evaluating global port efficiency.
It is primarily structured around three key variables: total port hours, ship size and call size. Essentially, a global comparative analysis of port performance is conducted by processing data segmented into five ship size categories and ten call size bands, with the total port time factored, comprising both arrival and berth durations.
The data is reduced to a common denominator, to generate an index for benchmarking efficiency across the terminals worldwide. Additionally, the Fuel Consumption Index accounting for greenhouse gas emissions contributes to the equation. This is linked to the delays, affecting the larger vessels relatively more than the smaller size vessels, as the larger vessels consume more fuel for recovery of lost time, effectively losing index points.
However, when viewed through the lens of South African port operations, the relevance and fairness of the CPPI come into question.
To provide context, the CPPI 2024 highlights the Port of Berbera in Somalia, which is ranked 243 globally according to the World Bank report. However, this port on the East African coast, handles just one vessel call per week. The port is not even equipped with ship-to-shore gantry cranes. But Berbera experiences no waiting time; ships berth upon arrival.
Its operational performance, when assessed within its specific ship size and call size category, aligns with global averages, positioning it ahead of many larger ports worldwide. This substantiates the argument that the CPPI serves as a comparative analytical tool rather than an absolute measure of port capability.
The data illustrates that ports with high or above-average CPPI scores can be found across a wide spectrum, from modest terminals to major global hubs. Better CPPI rankings are not exclusive to large ports handling high volumes.
The two critical determinants of CPPI rankings are crane intensity, defined by the number of cranes deployed per vessel, and crane productivity.
In 2023, the global average crane intensity for 3 000 moves and upwards stood at 4.5, with an average gross crane moves per hour (GCMPH) of 23 per crane deployed. In ports where eight (8) and nine (9) cranes were deployed, the global average GCMPH was 22 and 18 moves per crane respectively, which is remarkable given that these metrics exclude operational stoppages.
Further, the CPPI recorded a global average of 40 port hours per vessel call, with berth time accounting for 60% of the recorded time. In perspective, for ports with a CPPI ranking of up to 200, the average port stay of the ships amounts to just one day.
Within the context of South African ports, just one factor, the crane intensity, presents a structural constraint that hinders better positioning within the CPPI rankings. Given that crane deployment directly influences berth time, this singular operational factor significantly affects overall port performance as measured by the index. Berth productivity and overall port times contribute significantly when compared with the global averages.
The Fuel Consumption Index further adds to the problem.
South African ports experience unique challenges that the CPPI does not fully account for, in particular, weather-related disruptions. In 2024, Durban recorded 31 days, Coega 54 days, and Cape Town lost 63 operational days due to these inherent adversities.
These figures are substantial, and the resulting disruptions have a pronounced impact, upsetting vessel schedules, undermining operational fluidity across the port ecosystem, and consequently impacting overall port times and productivity. Without recognition of regional constraints, South African ports risk being unfairly penalised in global rankings.
Ultimately, while the CPPI offers valuable insights, its methodology may not fully reflect the operational realities of South African ports. A more nuanced approach, one that considers local constraints and contextual factors is essential for a fair assessment of port performance at the global stage.
