Dynamic green portfolio analysis for inland ports: An empirical analysis on Western Europe

Abstract

This paper offers a dynamic green portfolio analysis of a range of European inland ports, based on an adapted model of the BCG-matrix and traffic volumes generated in the period 1999–2010. Based on the analysis, we draw conclusions on how the inland port strategies reflected in changing competitive positions have changed over time, as well as the drivers of economic and environmental performance. We differentiate between metropolitan supporting and industry supporting ports, because the relevant sample of ports to include in the analysis is crucial for a green port portfolio analysis for inland ports. The results show that there is no relationship between the economic and environmental performance on the individual inland port level. However, metropolitan supporting ports mostly show poorer economic and environmental performance in comparison to industry supporting ports, mainly due to their specific position within logistical chains and the absence of specific factor conditions. The paper provides recommendations for managers of both types of inland ports, and opens up an interesting research agenda to improve the use of the green port portfolio analysis tool as a basis to support port strategy.