The paper presents a methodological approach to support studies on the process of modernization of the Brazilian port system. Its main goal is to establish performance indicators to compare managerial, operational and physical conditions of the ports. To accomplish this goal, it describes the process of modernization of the Brazilian port system from the 1990s onwards. Then, the paper defines three relevant dimensions of the port system (management, value chain, and regional development) and sets indicators to evaluate and compare the situation of the ports. Additionally, defines the period of the research, and presents the major sources of empirical information. Finally, it suggests the application of the methodology to a selected set of ports.
Brazilian port system; ports; indicators; Brazil