Concentration and load centre development in the European container port system

Abstract

Only a few theories exist on the development of a container port system in relation to forelands, hinterlands and the technological environment. Moreover, very few were ever applied to the European container port system. This study examines recent dynamics — in particular, concentration and deconcentration tendencies and load centre development — in the European continental container port system for the period 1980–1994. It is demonstrated that the prevailing assumption that containerization leads to further port concentration is no longer confirmed. The results of the concentration analysis are fitted into some models on the development of port systems. Furthermore, the factors affecting the future concentration pattern in the European container port system are discussed.