Ports are no longer regarded as only the nodes that ships and goods are handled, but within the uncertain and highly volatile maritime industry they become economic competitive areas for all port stakeholders. By the effects of globalization and technological developments, ports as the interchange points between different modes of transport are forced to increase efficiency and sustain their competitive positions. It has been observed that there are a number of studies regarding port competitiveness and port efficiency separately. However, there is a gap in the port literature that addresses the relation between these two concepts. The motive of this study rests on the lack in the port literature and therefore within this study it is intended to associate two topical port performance dimensions namely “efficiency” and “competitiveness”. The aim of the study is to analyze the efficiency levels and competitive positions of leading container ports in Turkey. It is intended to find an answer to the research question of “are competitive ports also the efficient ones or vice versa?”. In line with the aim, strategic competitive positions of ports are exhibited using port portfolio analysis (BCG matrix) and port efficiencies are determined using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) as the methodology of the study. The originality of the study lies in its intention to fill the gap in the port literature. According to the results, container ports and terminals holding competitive positions in Turkey are also efficient, but the efficient ones are not also competitive ones.