Measuring the competitiveness of Mediterranean ports via the Principal Component Analysis and Hierarchical Clustering Analysis methods

Research on port competitiveness is necessary for the development of countries' economies and is also important for the survival and development of ports. In this work, we have identified the main factors related to the assessment of the provided port competitiveness based on a literature review. Next, we have compared the port competitiveness limited to the Mediterranean basin according to 5 criteria (Connectivity Index, Container Traffic, Port Infrastructure Quality, Export Cost and Import Cost). As part of this article, we have adopted the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method and the Hierarchical Clustering Analysis (HCA) of during the period 2010-2018. The results show the existence of two elements that prevent the competitiveness of Mediterranean port systems (Export Cost and Import Cost), and we need a strategy to improve competitiveness. The Hierarchical Cluster Analysis gave us three classes of countries. In the first class, Tunisia and Albania are classified according to their quality of port infrastructure. The second class includes Syria, Algeria, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro according to the cost of export and import. The third class is made up of France, Italy, Turkey and Spain. These countries have a big volume of trade and high connectivity with other countries.