Assessing technological and sustainable performance in maritime transport through the SFA metafrontier framework

Abstract This study explores the technological gaps and sustainability performance of the world’s 50 major ports from 2000 to 2023, motivated by increasing global environmental pressures and the uneven adoption of green technologies. Using the Stochastic Frontier Analysis within a Metafrontier framework, the study evaluates port efficiency relative to both group-specific and global best-practice frontiers. Results show that ports in Cluster 1 (Singapore, Shanghai, Busan) exhibit the highest levels of efficiency and no technological gaps, due to strong infrastructure investment, low CO2 emissions, and effective sustainability strategies. In contrast, ports in Clusters 3 and 4 lag significantly behind, constrained by operational inefficiencies and inadequate adoption of clean technologies. The study concludes that to enhance port competitiveness, strategic investment in green infrastructure, stronger sustainability policies, and targeted workforce training are essential. This research provides empirical evidence to guide global port modernization, policy formulation, and environmental transition.