Inland Port Development Research Articles

Huaihua International Inland Port Development and Its Impact on Local Residents’ Housing Demand

Studies have shown that constructing international inland ports can create an impetus for the local community’s comprehensive economic and social development. It can also promote population concentration and accelerate urbanization in inland areas. Population inflow affects residents’ housing demand. An in-depth study should be conducted on the impact of the construction of Huaihua International Inland Port on the housing demand of the residents in the southwestern Hunan area. From the perspective of the development trajectory of Huaihua International Inland Port, it analyzes how the port affects the local economy, employment, government revenue, and urbanization progress. Combined with the analysis of residents’ housing status in Huaihua City of Hunan Province, China, it predicts their future housing demand in Huaihua City. The results show that residents’ housing demand will change in stages.

A Hybrid DEMATEL and Bayesian Best–Worst Method Approach for Inland Port Development Evaluation

Inland ports are gaining more and more attention as important hubs for inland cities to promote foreign trade. However, studies on the evaluation of inland ports are lacking. In this work, we aim to construct an index system and propose a multi-criteria group decision-making method to comprehensively evaluate the development of inland ports. Unlike previous studies, using pressure–state–response model as a reference, we built up a demand–risk–power–potential framework for the index system proposed in this study. To determine the different weights for each indicator, which is a typical multi-criteria decision-making problem, we innovatively combined the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and the Bayesian best–worst method (BBWM) based on their distinct advantages in dealing with data coupling and group decision-making. In addition, this work introduces a case study of inland ports in the Huaihai Economy Zone to validate the efficacy of the proposed evaluation model and method. After calculating and obtaining the comprehensive scores and rankings of each inland port in this case, we compared the evaluation results with those under the BBWM, TOPSIS, and CRITIC methodologies, and found that the results under the DEMATEL–BBWM methodology can provide better differentiation for inland port evaluation results. Moreover, based on the evaluation results, a performance–importance matrix is formulated to identify the areas requiring attention in the development process of each inland port. Subsequently, rational managerial insights are put forward to achieve the sustainable development of inland ports in the Huaihai Economy Zone.

The economic impact of inland ports on regional development: Evidence from the Yangtze River region

Existing literature on inland ports has rarely discussed the regional economic dimension of inland port development. The economic impact of inland ports on host cities and regions is unclear. This paper accordingly seeks to fill this gap by analyzing the economic impact of the Yangtze River inland ports on regional development. To this end, this paper analyses the impact of inland port activities on regional development for a sample of 22 inland ports located in the Yangtze River Basin, observed over the period 2000–2018. The paper uses a spatial econometric model to estimate the direct and spillover effects associated with inland port activities. The results indicate that while Yangtze River inland ports induce a non-negligible economic impact on local economic development, positive and larger spatial spillover effects occur outside the host city where the inland port is located. This paper provides new evidence for the economic impact of inland ports on regional development and provides the basis for the policy of investing in the Yangtze River inland ports.

A REVIEW ON DEVELOPMENT CHALLENGES FOR AN INLAND PORT AT MALAYSIA-THAILAND BORDER

An inland port helps enhance the global supply chain or process it by attaching value to raw goods, serving a higher quality of operation, and serving as a procurement path for the commodities required to reduce overall shipping costs. Inland ports can eliminate or reduce the uncertainty related to customs and border delays and become JIT, enabling fast and efficient production. However, the inland port development has several problems that will be affected their operations in the future. The objective of this study was to review the challenges to the development of an inland port at Malaysia Thailand border (Bukit Kayu Hitam (BKH)). A few challenges BKH will be facing in developing inland ports are lacking of transport infrastructure and operational activities, information sharing between crucial stakeholders (players), competition between other ports, and high cost labor and non-automatic cargo inspection. A systematic Literature Review (SLR) combine with bibliometric analysis approach being adopted to review the challenges facing other ports and inland ports worldwide. Total 100 articles related to the topic from 2004 and 2021 were selected and reviewed. Bibliometric analysis was used to determine the quantity of literature, the number of writers, and the number of related themes. Literatures were reviewed and evaluated using VOSviewer software by creating, visualizing, and analyzing the inputs. The findings had supported the challenges that affected the development of an inland port at BKH. Recommendations to develop the inland port at BKH were discussed for the stakeholders and other parties.

Sustainable inland port development: integrated framework applied to Modjo Dry Port Ethiopia

Scientific research on dry port development often focuses on advanced economies and is mostly lacking for developing countries such as Ethiopia. This paper developed a new integrated framework with three pillars (social, environmental, economics) for dry port development and its applicability is tested for Modjo Dry Port (MDP) in Ethiopia. The results indicate that most stakeholders prefer more efficient operations either on the current terminal or on an increased size terminal. Furthermore, the 'labour component' is regarded as very important (high employment levels at the MDP terminal; approximately 1000) while in the scientific literature this is regarded as much less important. In Africa, employing people is important and reflects the desire to increase the labour force of MDP even further when expanding. This is remarkable as usually productivity growth results in a reduction in employees, especially given the already very high employment numbers for MDP. Finally, the relative equal importance of most sub-criteria results in a status quo where no decision is taken or the most optimal decision is not advocated.

Sustainable inland port development: integrated framework applied to Modjo Dry Port Ethiopia

Sustainable inland port development: integrated framework applied to Modjo Dry Port Ethiopia

Spatial, temporal and institutional characteristics of entry strategies in inland container terminals: A comparison between Yangtze River and Rhine River

Recent decades have brought a growing commitment of investors in the (co-)funding and management of inland terminals, particularly container terminals. However, the actors involved, the forms of third-party entry and the emerging partnerships in inland terminals have only been investigated on a fragmented basis in inland port research. To complement existing inland port research on governance, management and spatial development, this paper analyses entry strategies of actors in inland container terminals on the Rhine and Yangtze in terms of their spatial, temporal and institutional characteristics. The unit of analysis in this paper is the inland container terminal, not necessarily the entire inland port (which might have more than one terminal). The entry strategies and the drivers behind these strategies are examined using a conceptual framework focused on five questions, i.e. who, where, when, why and which way. The empirical application is based on a large dataset of all container terminals on the Rhine and Yangtze. Our findings suggest clear differences between the two rivers in terms of the type of operators, the sequence of inland port development and also the major actors shaping the inland terminal landscape. Despite these differences, there is also some level of similarity, including a low presence of international players, the absence of deepsea (landlord) port authorities and observed waves of single acquisition, multiple-site acquisition, and capital entry in the terminals. Government policies, institutional frameworks and the nature of shipping network development are determinants of inland port investment and the entry strategies adopted by relevant actors. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the drivers and contextual environment guiding entry strategies in inland ports and can help policy makers and port operators in inland rivers to assess and benchmark their strategy. The paper adds to existing literature by considering spatiotemporal aspects of terminal ownership and the strategic considerations of and institutional drivers and impediments to the inland terminal strategies of the corresponding actors.

The Impact of Logistics Infrastructure Development in China on the Promotion of Sino-Korea Trade: The Case of Inland Port under the Belt and Road Initiative

Purpose - This study investigates the impact of inland port development in China on the promotion of bilateral trade flows between China and South Korea. Design/methodology - The probable association between the establishment of inland ports and SinoKorea trade was estimated using gravity models. In this regards, two sets of data were collected. The first dataset consists of the baseline variables of a gravity model, while the second one includes variables of logistics infrastructure development. The indicators of logistics infrastructure development include inland ports, the amount of government expenditure on transport infrastructure, the lengths of roads and railways, the number of trucks and the number of logistics industry workforce. Findings - The results show that inland port development has a positive impact on facilitating bilateral trade between China and South Korea. However, the positive association holds only for Chinese regions with a large trade volume and a proximity to seaports. In other regions, the impact of inland ports is not statistically significant. Originality/value - To the best knowledge of the authors, this study is the first attempt to explore the economic impact of inland ports in China. In addition, the findings in this paper provide both policy and managerial implications for the future development of inland ports, such as the strategic location of inland ports and integrated intermodal operations.

Directional inland port development: Powerful strategies for inland ports beyond the inside-out/outside-in dichotomy

Considerable scientific attention has been paid to inland port research and many of the papers are driven by an Outside-In perspective where the seaport is often regarded as leader and the inland port as follower. Increasingly, Inside-Out approaches where inland ports themselves are taking the initiative are receiving scientific attention. However, it is argued that both processes can be at play simultaneously within the same port and that these processes are reinforcing each other. The focus of this paper is therefore on defining powerful strategies for inland ports also from an Inside-Out and bi-directional perspective. We observe that not all developments connected to inland ports acting as extended gates for seaports are positive: for inland ports traffic conditions might worsen, and external effects increase (i.e. seaport problems are ‘exported’ inland). New powerful strategies for inland ports are amongst others: redefining their role versus seaports with a central role for the inland port, governments should give more attention to the inland port and seek the development of strategic plans and strategies for the inland port as to realize their own objectives. Seaports and container carriers increasingly seek partly ownership of inland ports and terminals and inland port themselves should analyze if these developments suit their ambitions. Inland ports could also develop network strategies that not solely focus on the closest seaports but also consider adjacent inland ports. Cooperation with other inland ports can also be developed into a strategy that strengthens the role of the inland port versus seaports.

The Influencing Factors of Xi'an Inland Port Development and Their Action Mechanism from the Strategic Perspective

With the purpose of guiding Xi’an inland port from the strategy perspective, this paper uses SWOT analysis to determine the key factors both from internal and external situation. Then the quantitative analysis by expert scoring and AHP is carried out to calculate the strength and strategic azimuth. The results show that Xi’an inland port should take advantage of the opportunities completely to perform more positive strategies. In particular, it should build up strategic alliance at first, and construct port-vicinity industrial zone and information system. Lastly, intermodal transportation should get promoted. These countermeasures will improve the service level of Xi’an inland port.

A critical review on the evolution and development of inland port research

Over the past twenty-five years a considerable amount of literature has emerged that addresses inland port development in a variety of ways and in different institutional contexts. A recurring issue throughout most papers focusing on inland ports is the wide diversity of definitions, actors, functions, levels and geographies that are of relevance. Therefore, a literature review on inland port development contributes to defining the most important streams in inland port research. Recent studies show that the concept of inland ports is clearly much richer and more diversified than merely an extension of deep-sea ports or port logistics. However, as much of the literature is still largely based on individual case studies and anecdotal evidences, the conceptualization of inland ports has proven to be particularly difficult. Therefore, this review paper presents a systematic and integrated review of inland port studies, covering 80 international peer-reviewed academic journal papers on inland port development between 1992 and 2017. The results show that much attention is paid on inland ports as components of the ‘transport/logistics/supply chain’ systems (follower), while their roles as components of the ‘regional’ systems (leader) are largely overlooked. Such a tweaked focus is likely to pose significant impacts on planning, management, and governance of inland ports.

Competition or complementarity in Dutch inland port development: A case of overproximity?

The port economics literature is extensive, but does not address well the economic effects of inland ports development. This paper explores the extent to which spatial proximity of inland ports vis-a-vis each other influences agglomeration externalities. Spatially lagged regression models are employed to analyse whether spatial dependence between proximate inland ports can be observed or, alternatively, whether the density of the inland port network in the Netherlands is leading to diseconomies of scale because of overproximity. The conclusions indicate that especially in the context of the dense fluvial network of the Netherlands inland ports development involves much competition among inland ports; being proximite to strong neighbouring inland ports is not necessarily beneficial to the growth prospects of an inland port. This indication of overproximity highlights a need for reflection on the possibility of an integrated and coordinated regional governance approach towards inland port development in the Netherlands and North-West Europe. The relationship between inland ports and regional development is obviously present, but ambiguous since it involves a multiplicity of interactions among a diversity of actors.

Weakest link or strongest node? Comparing governance strategies for inland ports in transnational European corridors

Inland ports are becoming more important in enhancing hinterland accessibility of deep-sea ports. Their increasing size and number can however also pose a threat to quality of life in adjacent urban regions, for spatial conflicts between port and urban functions may arise. Therefore, inland port governance strategies are needed. The aim of this paper is to reflect on the findings of an international comparison of municipal governance strategies for inland port development in four different countries along the Rhine–Alpine Corridor. Our findings reflect the difficult position of inland ports relative to urban functions within a densely populated corridor. Sufficient capacity is needed to prevent the occurrence of bottlenecks on links and in nodes, which could limit flows on other parts of the corridor. Increasing inland port capacity should however also be aligned with policy measures in urban regions, to avoid the overlapping of inland port and urban functions which could lead to mutually exclusive land-uses. This poses challenges in terms of inland port governance. We observe that cases in which the port and urban administrations open up the policy process to relevant private stakeholders and the civil society, integrated governance strategies for inland port development are more likely to emerge.

Characteristics of European inland ports: A statistical analysis of inland waterway port development in Dutch municipalities

Most scientific attention in port studies centers on deep-sea ports, in particular container ports. In our paper, in contrast, we focus our attention on the characteristics of inland waterway ports in a European context. This is an overlooked part in the scientific literature on inland port development, which is up to now mainly concerned with US-based understandings of inland ports. We try to broaden the application of the inland port concept by explaining the development of inland ports in terms of inland waterway bounded cargo throughput. Based on a large-scale quantitative dataset of inland port development in Dutch municipalities we perform various statistical analyses to arrive at a more detailed understanding of the question: What are the characteristics of European inland waterway ports and what transport and economic factors influence cargo throughput on the municipal level? The results in particular highlight the importance of the presence of a container terminal, the diversity in types of goods which are being handled by the inland port and the accessibility of the inland port relative to the regional motorway network as important factors in explaining the size and growth of inland ports. Interestingly, the popular claim in policy of ‘investments in inland port development leading to employment growth’ cannot be confirmed.

Drivers for Outside-In port hinterland integration in Latin America: The case of Veracruz, Mexico

This paper examines the spatial and institutional characteristics of inland port development in Latin America, through an analysis of a detailed case study of the port of Veracruz in Mexico. It explores the spatial distribution of seaports and inland ports as well as the issues of customs clearance, rail regulation, cargo security and land acquisition, before discussing conflicting models of development depending on the priorities of inland and port actors. A supplementary aim of the paper is thus to develop a conceptual model of directional development in a geographical context of an emerging economy which traditionally has suffered from the absence of integrated policy frameworks for transport and logistics, leading to a lack of infrastructure investment and several constraints on hinterland accessibility.Findings reveal that port actors (both port authorities and terminal operators) are being proactive in response to a changing transport and logistics environment, in a setting where railway regulation and cargo security play critical roles in establishing hinterland integration. Reform to customs clearance processes is ongoing to allow more effective container flow management between the port and the hinterland, but the major obstacle to implementing an efficient loop is the fragmentation of the rail sector in Mexico.

Governing inland ports: a multi-dimensional approach to addressing inland port–city challenges in European transport corridors

Inland ports have been put forward as crucial linkages for efficient global freight transport and corridor development. However, the present understanding of inland ports appears to be limited to network-based views with a maritime port focus (Outside-In), in which inland ports play second fiddle. We argue that inland ports as independent structures (Inside-Out) deserve equal consideration and that in addition to the transport dimension, the spatial, economic and institutional dimensions of inland ports are vital and should not be neglected. The goal of this paper is to apply the concept of port–city challenges to inland ports. The results of an institutional analysis of Dutch case study evidence show that challenges facing inland ports and cities take many forms but that all share a commonality in the trade-offs between positive and negative externalities. We observe different governance strategies in coping with these trade-offs and find that a proactive stance towards zoning contributes to efficiently accommodating mutually exclusive dimensions of inland port development.

Introduction

In our Spring 2013 issue of the Transportation Journal, we present a variety of transportation and logistics topics. In the United States, the motor carrier industry accounts for a large portion of transportation costs. In their research, Williams, Garver, and Taylor use a novel research method to present new knowledge about selection criteria applied to less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers by different segments of shippers who use LTL services. As nations and regions deal with trying to minimize socioeconomic impacts of transportation, they face dilemmas in allocating limited funds. Ludvigsen, Brechan, and Klæboe analyze the opinions of the European public regarding the European Union's decision to invest public funds in freight railways to achieve an improved balance of transportation environmental impacts. Despite reports to the contrary, international sourcing continues to be strong in current supply chain management. Mejza, Laosirihongthong, and Prajogo compare Japanese and American supplier relationships of automotive suppliers who do business in Thailand. As a multitude of factors have constrained ocean port expansion in many regions, inland ports have often been developed to complement the coastal port operations. Zeng, Maloni, Paul, and Yang present an overview of inland port development in China.In the Industry Notes Section, Harrison, Houm, Thomas, and Craighead propose a flexible optimization approach that balances the benefits of optimization in creating value and reducing cost with the increased risks that can result from the use of optimization. Their results provide both descriptive and prescriptive insights. Also along the lines of risk mitigation and transportation carrier selection criteria, Robinson, Thomas, and Mandrodt suggest transport service provider selection criteria that will aid in reducing risk in food supply chains. Also consistent with the risk theme, in his book review, Young reviewed Introduction to Transportation Security authored by Frances L. Edwards and Daniel C. Goodrich. Please also note that the index that is normally published in the Winter issue of the journal appears at the end of this issue.We continue to incorporate changes to our editorial structure. I am pleased to announce that Dr. Yoshinori Suzuki, Associate Professor of Supply Chain Management and Jacobson Companies Fellow in Transportation and Logistics at Iowa State University, will assume the position of Methodology Advisor. While the Transportation Journal has not revised its policies on acceptable methodologies, as the disciplines of transportation, logistics, and supply chain management continue to evolve, we believe it is important we devote attention to refining the scope of acceptable methodologies.As the new editor of Industry Notes, my goal is to support the efforts of Evelyn and Tom in the mission and objectives of the Transportation Journal. To this end, Industry Notes will continue to feature articles with an emphasis on transportation, logistics, and supply chain topics that are managerially relevant and timely to the profession. One of the main goals for Industry Notes is to advance managerial practice through original research that utilizes a variety of methodological approaches. Advancing practice also suggests that this research include an examination of new areas and/or the study of traditional approaches in different perspectives. As a general guideline, a submission to the Industry Notes should be approximately 3,000 words.I look forward to working with you in facilitating the dissemination of your research through Industry Notes. Your contribution to this section of the Transportation Journal is critical in that it ensures that the gap between theory and practice is as small as possible.Mary Holcomb

Spatial and institutional characteristics of inland port development in China

This paper examines the spatial and institutional characteristics of the emerging trend of inland port development in China. The paper analyses a sample of 18 major inland ports in three geographical clusters, comparing observed issues with similar developments in Europe, the United States and Africa. It highlights the issues of customs clearance and intermodal transport, before an extended discussion on conflicting models of development based on the priorities of inland and port actors. The aim is first to provide a descriptive account of this development, and second to provide tentative explanations for these results by comparing the findings with similar developments in other countries. This task is aided by use of a conceptual framework drawn from the literature, in which port-driven and inland-driven inland ports are contrasted. Thus a supplementary aim of the paper is to develop the conceptual model of directional development in a new geographical context. Findings reveal the need to align development priorities of central and local governments, as well as clarifying the use of subsidies to a number of different inland ports which may potentially split economies of scale through increased competition for an overlapping hinterland. The paper demonstrates that, while in the past China’s seaports had less inland penetration compared to more mature systems, emerging trends suggest some similarities to patterns observed in more integrated networks such as Europe and North America.

North American inland port development: international vs domestic shipper preferences

Changes in US transportation policy and changing freight flows influenced by NAFTA have refocused the attention of interior states on their transportation infrastructure. Shippers in the landlocked Midwest of the USA have inquired into the feasibility of inland ports that better facilitate domestic and global commerce by providing shared facilities and services. As such, these inland ports represent one‐stop shopping for various transportation and logistics‐related services. The present study asked central Iowa shippers about their perceptions of and preferences for a proposed inland port. The respondents were categorized as either “international” (i.e. companies that export and/or import, and those planning to) or “domestic‐only” (firms with no international operations nor plans to export or import). The results will assist policy makers and investors to develop an implementation strategy for an inland port, and to identify potential customers for specific port features and services.