Factors Affecting Container Seaport Competitiveness: Case Study on Port of Rijeka

Abstract

In this research, the authors aimed to investigate the factors affecting the competitiveness of container seaports and apply the research results to the case study of the Port of Rijeka. The previous related research on the topic of the Port of Rijeka is valuable, however, the seaport competitiveness factors were not elaborated in detail, which also represents a research gap. As a first step, the authors identified the competitiveness factors influencing container seaports, using the literature review method. Further, the authors conducted the case study of the Port of Rijeka, using the following identified competitiveness factors: the port’s geographical location, feeder connection, and maritime connectivity, infrastructure and superstructure of the container terminal, berth length, depth of the port and port area characteristics, road and railway infrastructure, port reputation, costs, customs procedure efficiency, and ICT systems. Finally, the authors propose measures to improve the competitiveness of the Port of Rijeka. The presented case study could be used as a reference point for similar container seaports, which are aware of their limited resources, but need to increase their efficiency and competitiveness.