The Administrative and Ownership Structure of Asian Container Ports

Abstract

Despite the impressive development and progress they have exhibited over recent years, Asian ports still suffer from a number of problems including insufficient port and/or terminal capacity, inefficient management and operation, and bureaucratic administration, all of which add significantly to the logistics costs of the region's foreign trade. To deal with these problems, the port authorities of a number of countries in the region have launched programmes which aim to attract private capital into both existing and new facilities. In many instances, this has engendered the perception that organisational restructuring (including privatisation) is not only desirable but necessary. The most obvious are the trends towards increasing private sector participation in the ownership and operation of container ports and/or terminals, the proliferation of dedicated, carrier-operated container terminals, the globalisation of port operators and the existence of joint ventures in port operation. It has to be said that these are not features that are unique to the Asian context. It might be suggested, however, that the phase of development which these trends have reached within the Asian port sector is currently unique within the world's port industry.