Development Strategies of Intermodal Transport for Port Logistics System

Abstract

The continuing growth in the use of containers as standardised units, the creation of joint ventures in the maritime industry and the trend to larger Post-Panamax container ships have all put pressure on seaports. The concept of hinterland is becoming obsolete through the use of containers providing intermodality and reducing the sphere of influence of ports. Efficient sea transportation is heavily dependent on the smooth operation of modal interchange, meaning that intermodal transfer is a key element in successful shipping operations with massive transhipment in major seaports. Many container ports seek to be a ”global logistics management centre” in expectation of boosting trading activities with other countries. This implies a demand for good quality logistics services and a requirement for investment in logistics facilities to attract business to any new location. Both small and large shippers require value-added logistics activities, which play a key role in providing an effective service to their customers, and achieving a profit for the enterprises. Competition for intermodal links in container ports is sometimes a short-term objective towards the longer-term vision of establishing a container port logistics system and a global logistics management centre. This paper discusses the strategy of container ports towards the intermodal transport system, taking into account both the interior and exterior environment of intermodal development. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique is used to evaluate the decision support system for strategic planning for container port logistics systems, based on the views elicited from a structured survey of industrial, governmental and academic experts.