Port Cluster Research Articles

Supporting Regional Competitiveness Through Innovation. Case Study: Sud Muntenia

e present research underlies on the idea that recently, in both governmental long term strategies and economic theories, regions are considered as centres of eco- nomic growth and as hubs in knowledge spill-over of and that innovation is a key component of long-term economic prosperity. * e analysis focuses on discovering how regional competitiveness can be supported by innovation, emphasizing also the role that economic agglomeration and clusters have in this process. * e study is based on a Romanian region, Sud Muntenia, and presents an image of the innovation sup- port structures, academic environment, innovation partnerships and clusters alloca- tion in the region in comparison to the national level. * e used methodology relies on quantitative and qualitative instruments, information being processed from statistical data, focus groups and questionnaires applied on the main regional actors involved in the innovation process.

Economic and Statistical Analyses of Port Competition within the Shanghai International Shipping Hub

The globalization of the world economy has resulted in the rapid growth of container transportation and a corresponding increase in container ports. In China, the Shanghai and Ningbo ports have undergone explosive growth based on their strong economic hinterlands. In this paper, we adopt the regional economic theory and statistical methods to analyze quantitatively the spatial structure of port clusters. We also aim to investigate the competitiveness of the port clusters at their conjunct hinterlands using a case study of the Shanghai International Shipping Hub (SISH), along with its two main ports, Shanghai and Ningbo, from 1995 to 2010. This paper initially uses the Hirshmann-Herfindahl index model and the shift-share analysis to examine the degree of concentration of the port system, which comprises 12 container ports in the SISH. Based on the above analyses, this study employs location quotient and statistical inference approaches to determine the major hinterland regions in Zhejiang Province to study the competitiveness between the Shanghai and Ningbo ports. Our findings suggest that the Ningbo port has emerged as a serious contender to the Shanghai port in the SISH, although the former is less dominant than the latter. The results show the spatial structure of the SISH and forecast the future structure of a double-hub port mode.

Multi-port and multi-berth integrated scheduling based on container port cluster

The current schedule of ports and berths still remains in the single-port multi-berth,while multi-port and multi-berth integrated scheduling based on the container port cluster can achieve the optimal allocation of ports resources,reduce the time in port and improve the resource utilization rate,and at the same time,the optimal transportation cost of the ship company has been taken into account.Therefore,the multi-objective non-linear programming model for multi-port and multi-berth integrated scheduling system was constructed with certain assumptions as premises.Then,a heuristic algorithm for the model was designed according to the specific structure of the model's decision-making space.Finally,the numerical calculation was performed in order to verify the effectiveness and stability of the algorithm.It shows that the decision model is practical and the algorithm is valid.

Evaluation of the relevance measure between ports and regional economy using structural equation modeling

This study examined the relationship between ports (port demand, port supply and value added activity in port) and regional economy from a logistics perspective that provided intellectual support for policy makers in their strategic port related decisions. The major port cities involved in China's five coastal port clusters were taken as the samples in order to conform to the development trend of Chinese port cluster. A structural equation modeling (SEM) approach was employed to test a hypothesized model concerning ports and their regional economy. Results indicated that port supply had a positive effect on port demand. In addition, the findings indicated that value added activity in port had a positive effect on the development of regional economy. However, port supply and port demand were not found to have significantly positive effects on regional economy. Theoretical and practical implications of the research findings for policy makers are discussed.

The Problems and Countermeasures of Port Clusters in China

The paper introduces the port cluster's concept and the main five port clusters of China, including Bohai Bay, Yangtze River Delta, Southeast ports, the Pearl River Delta and Southwest port clusters. And then the problems of China’s port clusters are discussed. Disorderly competition between and within the port clusters is gradually strengthened, and the port position and division is not clear. The government lacks coordination. Finally, to sovle these problems this paper presents a series of development countermeasures. For example, give full play to the planning and coordination role of the Government; Carry out different management according to the respective advantages of the port; Set up the Port alliances; Strengthen the port financing and establish a public information platform, etc.

Cooperation or competition? Factors and conditions affecting regional port governance in South China

Hong Kong is an international port heavily influenced by the ‘active non-interventionist’ policy and, until very recently, segregated from China's national/regional planning due to its special political and economic status. However, the port is now facing considerable challenges, notably increased trade between China and overseas markets, challenges from neighbouring ports, notably Shenzhen and Guangzhou, the increasing importance of intra-Asian trade and the economic turmoil in 2008, which accelerated the industrial transformation of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) in South China. Hence, Hong Kong is compelled to undergo strategic changes, notably its gradual integration into China's national and regional planning, and to integrate itself within the PRD so as to establish a system with different PRD ports that is functionally complementary to each other. How such a newly developed regional port cluster should develop, notably the division of responsibilities of cargo flows between Hong Kong and other PRD ports, however, is still rather ambiguous. By developing a game theory model and calibrated on the basis of the PRD context, this article investigates the factors and conditions affecting regional port governance in South China, notably alliance formation for ports serving partially overlapping hinterlands. This article serves as an important step in developing an effective, fully integrated regional transportation system within the PRD, and to help it to become an efficient logistics hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE EVALUATION OF COMPETITION BETWEEN CONTAINER TERMINAL OPERATORS

This paper presents a conceptual framework for analyzing the outcomes of potential competitive strategies and their expected payoffs for container terminal operators in the container handling industry. The framework is based on the integration of Bowley's linear model of aggregate demand of product differentiation with Porter's "Diamond" model. It focuses on the number of containers handled, prices charged, and profits earned to analyze a variety of strategies that could be employed by container terminal operators to enhance their competitive position. The findings suggest that strategies to build complementary relationships and stimulate greater demand are more desirable than alternatives because they generate benefits that accrue to the entire container port cluster. Conversely, strategies that are intended to raise entry barriers, employ strategic pricing mechanisms, and/or involve collusion are found to lead to the formation of insular clusters and retard competitive advantage in the long-run.

Establishment of the Successful Port Cluster for Attracting Competitiveness of Busan New Port

Establishment of the Successful Port Cluster for Attracting Competitiveness of Busan New Port

A Study on Port Cluster Strategy of Youngilman New Port for the Hwan Dong Hae Era

A Study on Port Cluster Strategy of Youngilman New Port for the Hwan Dong Hae Era

A Collaboration Service Model for a Global Port Cluster

The importance of port clusters to a global city may be viewed from a number of perspectives. The development of port clusters and economies of agglomeration and their contribution to a regional economy is underpinned by information and physical infrastructure that facilitates collaboration between business entities within the cluster. The maturity of technologies providing portals, web and middleware services provides an opportunity to push the boundaries of contemporary service reference models and service catalogues to what the authors propose to be “collaboration services”. Servicing port clusters, portal engineers of the future must consider collaboration services to benefit a region. Particularly, service orchestration through a “public user portal” must gain better utilisation of publically owned infrastructure, to share knowledge and collaborate among organisations through information systems.

A Comparative Analysis of Free Trade Zone Policies in Taiwan and Korea based on a Port Hinterland Perspective

The goal of this paper is to discuss the functions of a port hinterland, perform comparative analysis of existing port-type FTZ regulations and systems in Taiwan and Korea based on a port hinterland perspective, and provide recommendations concerning relevant policies and measures to government.This paper's findings can be summarized as follows: (1) Existing container terminals in Taiwan confronted with serious land shortage problems need to revise terminal layout and construction from a port hinterland perspective as well as Korea' modal. (2) The functions of port-type FTZs should be coordinated with local industrial development models based on a port cluster perspective. (3) The Taiwan custom authority should ease existing inspection regulations and mechanisms to ensure the freedom of operating activities and management systems in the FTZ.

A Study on the linkage industry analysis for building the Port Clusters in Busan

A Study on the linkage industry analysis for building the Port Clusters in Busan

Research on X-efficiency Measure of Chinese Ports

Abstract Considering the current situation of Chinese ports and from the port company's point of view, this brief figured out the main factors influencing Chinese port X-efficiency and established the X-efficiency measure model with help of stochastic frontier method, which filled the theoretical gap of port X-efficiency research. On that basis, this brief studied the data of 13 typical port-listed-companies such as Shenchiwan A that stood for the five biggest port clusters in China. The result proved some main factors influencing Chinese port X-efficiency such as the internal incentive system of port-listed companies. Finally, suggestions for improving the Chinese ports X-efficiency were proposed, such as reforming the staff incentive system and company ownership system.

The Current Situation of Energy Logistics in Northeast Asia and the Establishment of Port Cluster Related to Energy Logistics

The Current Situation of Energy Logistics in Northeast Asia and the Establishment of Port Cluster Related to Energy Logistics

Strategic port planning: A case study of the Rotterdam seaport cluster applying the SWOT framework

Seaports are distinct and dynamic entities with conflicting functions and tasks. Being confronted with a complex and competitive environment, their position and development is challenged. Consequently, seaports require strategic planning and analysis to direct change, rather than merely respond to it. Regardless of its relevance, a scarcity of research focusing on determinants of seaport clusters exists. The research aims to increase the understanding for internal and external conditions of the Rotterdam seaport cluster by conducting an explorative study. The Rotterdam seaport cluster constitutes a unique and complex case, due to its advanced position in terms of size, technology and productivity. Applying the SWOT framework, an internal perspective was chosen to facilitate the emergence of strengths and weaknesses such as geographical location and lacking intra-port competition. Also, opportunities including increasing world trade and inter-portco-operation, and threats such as growing competition and industry concentration are disclosed. In doing so, the foundation for future strategic planning considerations and implications for other port clusters are provided.

Optimization of Hub-and-Spoke Two-stage Logistics Network in Regional Port Cluster

Abstract To optimize two-stage logistics transportation network in regional port cluster, combining hub-and-spoke transportation system among regional port with consolidation and dispersing transportation systems between ports and their own hinterlands, a nonlinear optimization model for two-stage logistics system in regional port cluster is introduced to simultaneously determine the following factors: the hinterlands serviced by individual ports and transportation capacity operated between each port and its hinterland, cargo transportation volume and corresponding transportation capacity allocated via a hub port from an original port to a destination port, cargo transportation volume and corresponding transportation capacity allocated directly from an original port to a destination port. Finally, a numerical example is given to demonstrate the application of the proposed model. It can be shown that the solution to the proposed non-linear model can be obtained by transforming it into linear programming models.

Analysing training and education in ports

The quality and availability of labour is important for the performance of ports. Insights from cluster theories are relevant for analysing training and education in ports, as ports can be regarded as clusters. In general, labour in clusters is relatively mobile, education services in clusters are relatively good and employees have a high willingness to invest in specific skills. However, skilled and talented labour still may be scarce, especially in regions with tight labour markets. Thus, in many clusters, including port clusters, firms and governments actively aim to improve the quality of labour.

Logistic innovation in global supply chains: an empirical test of dynamic transaction-cost theory

Upgrading logistic services in the context of international supply chains is not a smooth process. Upgrading may require the development of co-operative relationships, or alliances, involving large logistic service firms and their customers: multinational enterprises. Both sides may be unwilling and/or unable to engage in upgrading strategies in an alliance context. Fourth-party logistics is an example of a logistic product innovation entailing research-based advice as well as the design and implementation of new supply-chain solutions. It has the potential of stimulating spatial shift in global production networks and regional distribution systems (Visser and Lambooy, Geographisches Zeitschrift 92(heft 1+2):5–20, 2005). Using dynamic transaction-cost theory (Nooteboom, Learning and innovation in organisations and economies, 2000), this paper theoretically specifies and empirically measures three risks associated with the development of fourth-party logistics: dependence, unwanted spillovers, and conservatism. Case-study evidence reveals that dynamic transaction-cost theory partially explains the slow development of new logistic services in an alliance setting. Some aspects of conservatism are found to be relevant, along with risks of dependence due to specific investments in human resources and information systems. Other, not predicted but important factors, however, are the lack of credibility of service innovation by asset-based logistic firms, and strategic considerations of customers regarding logistic organization and control. The first factor implies that firms specializing in fourth-party services are likely to remain (very) limited in number. The second factor implies that this type of service provision is more likely to develop in dynamic port clusters, as customers prefer to tap into a variety of ideas from many different suppliers. In local clusters, interactions between firms can be relatively frequent, casual, short-lived and open, so that the structure of local networks is relatively decentralized, dense and flexible. This stimulates (logistic) innovation (Nooteboom, in Hanusch and Pyka (eds.) Elgar companion to neo Schumpeterian economics, 2006). In global supply chains, interactions between logistic service firms and their customers tend to have the opposite characteristics, which do not stimulate innovation.

Modelling a port logistics process using the structured analysis and design technique

In this paper, we define the boundaries of a port cluster system and make an attempt to analyse how port cluster companies engage in the port logistics process. In order to visually present the intra-port clusters, we have used the ‘Structured Analysis and Design Technique’ (SADT). SADT was chosen, as it provides a robust structured method to model hierarchical systems and for this research it provides an opportunity to define and analyse the cluster in terms of the port logistics process, port activities and the actors. Applying SADT to the case of Busan Port in Korea, the constituent activities of a port cluster are defined in terms of inputs, control, mechanism and outputs. The port cluster system is broken down into six sub-level SADT diagrams: voyage supporting system, port entry system, stevedoring system, transit system, storage system and inland transport connecting system. These six phases plus the port information system were considered as the seven phases of a port logistics process. This categorization was established by carrying out a number of interviews in Busan Port and by analysing eight cases of ships calling in the port. Each sub-level diagram is connected to others according to the cargo flow in the port logistics process. This research demonstrates that the visualization facilitating SADT not only helps in understanding the interrelationships between associated companies in the port cluster, but also, to some extent, explains how port users and port cluster companies engage in the port logistics process.

Interaction between Transport, Infrastructure, and Institutional Management

Ongoing research on how to support high-quality information for intermodal transport is reported. The research approach suggests that the interaction between the domains of transport, infrastructure, and institutional management is a step forward. This kind of interaction must be formalized and structured through a specific infrastructure, and someone must be responsible for the development and maintenance of this infrastructure. Research results of 54 semistructured interviews conducted as a prestudy for a port community system (PCS) in the Port of Gothenburg, Sweden, are used as empirical data. Results indicate that cooperation and information sharing within the port cluster are far from a highly integrated supply-chain management solution. Results also reveal major gaps regarding the recognition of each other's situation, especially between authorities and the shipping industry. With a PCS viewed as an interaction infrastructure, the approach of the Port of Gothenburg stresses the need for interaction among the different domains as well as the need for a strong initiator and developer. For the system to become successful, it must achieve a certain status as useful and trusted by the many who must update the system in a timely manner. For trust to be built into the system, development and implementation must be done in close cooperation with the many actors. The actors must think outside of their own systems; information crucial to each individual actor's operation also can be of value to others.