Development of Small Container Ports: Case Study – Port of Bar

Abstract

Container ports are just one point on the international transport chain. Therefore, their development is determined by the cooperation of all participants in the transport chain that connects users of transport services with the ports, both economic entities and administration. This paper presents the basic preconditions for development of small container ports and the challenges they face. The Port of Bar was used to study the case. The main goal of this paper is to determine the development steps or phases that small container ports should implement in order to better position themselves on the regional market, i.e. to meet the requirements set by shipping companies. The paper analyzes different types of transport connections with the hinterland as well as a state of port infrastructure and superstructure in relation to ports in the region. The research hypothesis says that the correct sequence of different development steps directly affects the development of small container ports. The methods which will be used in the paper are analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, generalization and concretization, as well as the meth-od of comparison. The results of the research will provide a new understanding of the issue of development policies of small container ports in relation to available capacities and transport connections. The results can be used by the management structures of small container ports, but also in the work of national bodies in the field of maritime and transport. The research is based on the example of the Port of Bar as well as the ports in the region of Balkans un-til it doesn't take into consideration other small container ports from around the world. Therefore, the obtained results of the research could not be completely generalized. Thus is, this issue requires further research that would consider its various aspects.