JEDDAH —

Ports across the Middle East have enjoyed success by building high-quality infrastructure to serve the large cargo volumes flowing through the region, a new report by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) entitled “Will Middle Eastern Ports Continue to Succeed?” revealed.

From 2011 through 2016, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of container throughput was measured at 4 percent, which exceeded the global average. Moreover, the throughput growth rates of other types of seaborne cargo have also been impressive. But as is often the case, following a period of strong growth, there are causes for concern. Overcapacity, exposure to transshipment, and lagging port productivity threaten to slow or even reverse the upward trajectory of the region’s ports. Hence, ports in the region have to explore alternative routes to mitigate these challenges.

“Middle East ports accounts for less than 3 percent of global GDP, while its ports handle approximately 20 percent of global seaborne trade. This disproportionate share is the result of both geographic advantages and well-executed investments,” said Giovanni Moscatelli, Partner & Managing Director at The Boston Consulting Group Middle East.

Middle Eastern ports have aggressively added capacity. From 2011 through 2016, container capacity increased by 16 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEU). This represented an annual growth rate of approximately 7 percent, versus 4 percent for container throughput. The additional capacity caused utilization at ports to fall by 9 percentage points, from 75 percent to 66 percent. This utilization rate is generally considered low and puts downward pressure on handling rates, and in some locations overcapacity is severe.

Despite already low utilization, Middle Eastern ports have announced plans to add capacity totaling approximately 57 million TEU by 2030, thereby doubling the current level. By 2022 alone, assuming the recent throughput growth continues, the new capacity will drive down utilization by more than 8 percentage points, to approximately 57 percent.

“It is unlikely that ports will build all the announced additions. They may reassess their plans if expected volumes fail to materialize or if they lack the financing necessary to build the full amount announced. Even so, the proposed additions are staggering to consider,” added Giovanni Moscatelli.

Adding to the over utilization of ports is the risk of transshipment, which accounts for more than half (53 percent) of the throughput of Middle Eastern ports. At ports in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman, transshipment represents the lion’s share of utilization. To end their dependence on transshipment hubs, smaller destination ports (which serve as import-export gateways for their own hinterlands) are improving infrastructure, hiring experienced port operators, and encouraging shipping lines to make direct calls. If they succeed in attracting large volumes of direct calls, the current model of serving the entire region with a few transshipment hubs will be threatened. Decreasing transshipment volume would eliminate many of these transfers. If such a shift occurred, the overall utilization of Middle Eastern ports would be approximately 14 to 20 percentage points lower than in 2016.

Empirical evidence suggests that, except for the most successful and established players, productivity is lagging at a number of Middle Eastern ports. This is not unexpected given that many of the newest players are still at an early stage of development. Because these ports have been busy bringing new capacity online, commissioning larger cranes, and installing new operating systems, they have not focused on improving productivity. The region’s relatively low unit costs for labor have made cost optimization less of a priority than in other locations.

To support ports in the Middle East and globally, BCG has identified a number of strategic priorities and levers that can help port stakeholders sustain strong performance.

• Port shareholders: Port shareholders are owners responsible for investment decisions relating to port facilities and hinterland connections. In the context of deteriorating utilization, port shareholders should be cautious about investing in additional capacity. Shareholders should work to create additional capacity, by favoring productivity gains over capex. This is best done through enhancing inland connections for improved inland connectivity—including logistics services, transportation, and warehousing—which allows a port to extend its reach beyond the immediate area it serves and increase its participation in end-to-end cargo flows. In addition, port shareholders should invest for and with customers to support importers and exporters, and consider international M&A and expansion.

• Port operators: Port operators manage day-to-day terminal operations and are responsible for commercial performance. Port operators should gain an in-depth understanding of the end-to-end cargo flows served by their ports and how they can add value within these flows. To create additional capacity, they should favor productivity gains over capex, with an emphasis on deploying “smart port” technologies.

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Port operators should seek to increase their share of wallet from the shippers they serve today, and they should target new business while avoiding head-to-head competition on handling rates. By adopting smart technologies, Middle Eastern ports can, at limited cost, demonstrate global leadership to shipping lines.

• Public authorities: Public authorities are government entities that pursue economic-development objectives to promote prosperity. By promoting a favorable business environment and industrial development, port authorities create benefits for ports over the long and short terms. Industrialization projects undertaken by public authorities can significantly improve the business environment for nearby ports. The creation of new urban areas and large industrial developments may provide them with unique opportunities.

“Ports across the Middle Eastern region have built world-class facilities and have earned the respect of port and shipping industry participants globally. To solidify these achievements, they must focus on making the right moves going forward. Imperative agendas on building hinterland connections, strengthening customer relationships, adopting digital solutions and fostering a robust business environment are key success measures to promote prosperity for ports industry and the entire region,” Giovanni Moscatelli added. — SG