Grouping of Spanish Marine Container Terminals Using Cluster Analysis

This paper describes the results of a research project conducted at the Technical University of Madrid with the purpose of classifying the existing container terminals in the Spanish port system in comparable groups according to their operation parameters to provide a basis for future research to develop a methodology to optimize container terminals operation. This analysis also provides useful clues in pre-dimensioning new terminals, in assessing the terminals operational performance, and in planning operational improvements by grouping them according to their operation parameters and ratios. For this purpose cluster analysis was used. The results are applicable in pre-dimensioning new terminals and in the assessment of the operation of existing terminals.