Environmental efficiency assessment of coastal ports in China: Implications for sustainable port management

By employing Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) with Slacks-Based Measure (SBM) and DEA-Undesirable Output models, this study aims to investigate the operational and environmental efficiency of 26 major ports across China's Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Focusing on the interplay between operation performance and environmental sustainability, this research evaluates how well these ports manage their operational activities while minimizing their environmental impact. The results indicate that the ports in the Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta, and Southwest Coast significantly outperform others. These ports benefit from advanced infrastructural setups and operational capabilities that enhance throughput while adhering to environmental standards. This study underscores the importance of integrating sustainable practices and green technologies into port operations, suggesting that such integration not only reduces ecological footprints but also bolsters efficiency. It highlights areas where ports lag in efficiency and proposes targeted interventions to enhance environmental and operational outcomes. By identifying the correlation between high efficiency scores and low CO2 emissions, this paper presents a compelling argument for adopting more stringent environmental measures in port management practices, thereby aligning port operations with global sustainability goals.