Port Competition Research Articles

Cross-Pacific Vessel Estimated Time of Arrival and Next Destination Prediction with Automatic Identification System Data

With the increase in global trade uncertainty and supply chain disruptions, accurately predicting the estimated time of arrival (ETA) of container vessels can effectively help carriers, terminals, and freight forwarders improve operational efficiency. The Asia-North America route has been recently under stress because of strikes and trade wars between the U.S. and China. Voyages are subject to multiple external factors leading to uncertainty in arrival times. This is especially true for cross-Pacific voyages, where long distances without intermediate port visits allow for a large feasible set of trajectories and vessel speed profiles. Large errors in ETA prediction not only hinder the effective planning and execution of other stakeholders but also lead to significant fluctuations in the types and quantities of goods arriving at the port, thereby hindering port competitiveness and efficient multimodal transportation. Existing literature focuses on estimating ETA and next positions for dense, compact areas at the vicinity of ports. We propose and evaluate model framework based on artificial neural networks (ANN) fed by automatic identification system (AIS) historical data to predict the next destination and ETA for cross-Pacific routes for cases where ETA from the captain is missing in the AIS data. Results show our model can effectively predict next destination and ETA of vessels, achieving a mean absolute error value of 4 h when the vessel is 1,500 nmi away from the port. For comparison, the ANN submodules are replaced with gradient boosted trees, providing similar results. We terminate by highlighting the challenges found to improve the model.

The impact of port green competitiveness on the hinterland economy: A case study of China.

In the global trade landscape, ports are not only critical nodes for the transportation of goods but also increasingly recognized as key factors driving sustainable development through their green competitiveness. This paper takes a green competitiveness perspective to delve into the interactive relationship between port development and the hinterland economy, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation and policy recommendations for the green development of ports. An evaluation index system for green competitiveness of ports was constructed, and a combination of the Slacks-Based Measure (SBM) and the Entropy Weighted-Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (EW-TOPSIS) method was employed to quantitatively measure and assess the 25 major coastal ports and their hinterland economic systems in China. The study reveals that the overall green competitiveness of these major coastal ports is on the rise, yet notable disparities exist among individual ports. Regionally, the green competitiveness of the Yangtze River Delta port group stands out, while that of the Bohai Rim, southeastern, Pearl River Delta, and southwestern coastal port groups is relatively low. Empirical analysis conducted in this paper demonstrates the positive impact of port green competitiveness on the hinterland economic system, particularly its significant role in enhancing the total and quality aspects of the hinterland economy. Furthermore, it was found that the green competitiveness of ports exerts a more pronounced promotional effect on the hinterland economies of the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta port groups compared to that on the Bohai Rim, southeastern, and southwestern coastal port groups. The results of this paper also hold important guiding value for optimizing the allocation of port resources, promoting port technological innovation, and improving port environmental management, contributing to the harmonious coexistence and long-term development of ports and their hinterlands.

Reliability and validity assessment of instrument to measure sustainability practices at shipping ports in India

Sustainability has emerged as one of the most critical factors influencing the competitiveness of maritime shipping ports. This emergence has led to a surge in research publications on port sustainability-related topics. However, despite the increasing awareness and adoption of sustainability practices, documented literature on empirical studies with survey and interview data is very limited. Moreover, the existence of validated instruments to objectively assess sustainability through sustainability practices for shipping ports in India needs to be traced. This study contributes by validating an instrument to evaluate objectively sustainability practices in shipping ports by adopting a four-stage process, starting with item identification based on an extensive literature review, instrument evaluation by subject matter experts, assessing of the instrument with suitable content validation indices, and finally evaluating the validity and reliability of the hypothesized theoretical model. For content validation, Content Validity Index, Cohens Kappa coefficient, and Lawshe’s Content Validity Ratio were computed with the assessment by a subject matter expert panel comprising six members from the port industry as well as academicians cum researchers in the field of shipping ports. The content-validated instrument was administered to 200 samples comprising officer category port employees. The measurement model was evaluated and validated using the Confirmatory Factor Analysis to assess the extent to which the measured variables represent the theoretical construct of the study and ascertain the factor structure. The empirically validated instrument met the required guidelines of model fit, reliability, and construct validity measures and was found to be a confirmed model for measuring sustainability practices in shipping ports. Structural Equation Modeling methodology was adopted to explain the variance and the path relationship between the higher-order and lower-order constructs of sustainability. The results indicate that the economic dimensions are the major contributors to the overall sustainability of the port as they drive investments in environmental and social dimensions, leading to overall sustainable development. The study’s findings will be helpful for researchers, academicians, policymakers, and industry practitioners working towards sustainability practices that contribute to sustainable growth and development in the shipping industry.

Green strategies in ports: a stakeholder management perspective

AbstractThis paper delves into the intricate relationship between green strategies and stakeholder management within the port industry. We employ a robust conceptual framework and a tailored methodology, encompassing all sixteen Italian Port Management Bodies and analysing 344 related green strategies. A unique indirect approach is introduced to identify the primary stakeholders targeted by these strategies. The research identifies three primary categories of green strategies: energy efficiency, electric supply infrastructure development, and renewable energy promotion. These strategies align with increasing environmental expectations and stricter regulations. Terminal operators and local communities emerge as primary stakeholder groups, underscoring their growing influence in port management decisions. This research bridges a substantial gap in the academic literature by shedding light on the benefits of green strategies for the principal port stakeholders and the pivotal role of these strategies for stakeholder management in ports. Port managers can leverage these insights to make informed strategic decisions, strengthen their corporate social responsibility initiatives, and better address environmental concerns while meeting stakeholder expectations. Furthermore, the paper offers valuable guidance to policymakers aiming to stimulate additional investments in environmental sustainability, thereby meeting the expectations of port stakeholders and enhancing port competitiveness.

Reshaping of Global Shipping Dynamics: Implications for Strategic Resilience Capabilities, Marketing Capabilities, Supply Chain Orientation Capabilities and Port Competitiveness in Indonesia

The phenomenon of dynamic maritime environment have affected port business and it is substantially changing the business environment in which large-scale container trade growth is being facilitated. In this paper will illustrate the dynamic features of port users, discuss the port competition strategy and analyse the marketing strategic for port business under transformation phases. Using qualitative methods using case studies through a literature review and empirical evidence to prove, deepen and expand the results of the study. In this article, we develop and examine the implication such marketing capabilities approach to the effectiveness of the marketing strategies and strategic resilience capabilities to determine sustainable competitive performance. Based on a discussion among with its managements, this paper could prove a conceptual framework in which strategic resilience capabilities and supply chain orientation capabilities have a profound impact on the company’s sustainable competitive performance.

The multination colonial competition and hinterland expansion of ports in Bohai Bay of China (1860–1931)

The multination colonial competition and hinterland expansion of ports in Bohai Bay of China (1860–1931)

Evaluation of Containerized Trade and Competitiveness among Container Ports in Black Sea Basin

With the increase in trading volume and competitiveness in global trade, ports have becomeindispensable and critical rivalry zones for countries. As competitiveness among the firm increaseat a global level, ports become a rivalry zone cause of being the most critical economic structuresand increasing competitiveness for transnational business and trade activities. The Black SeaBasin is one of the most important waterways in the world in terms of commercial, political andstrategic aspects. The devastating consequences of conflicts and tensions, especially in recentyears, prove the importance of the Black Sea Basin for world maritime trade. Therefore, the portsof the Black Sea Basin are of great importance. When the existing literature is reviewed, it is seenthat there are many studies on the competitiveness and efficiency issues. Since the studies in theliterature are mostly conceptual, it is obvious that they do not reveal analytical results, whichconstitutes a deficiency in the literature. In addition, the lack of a scientific study on theefficiency of container ports in the Black Sea Basin in recent years has made this study necessary.The aim of this study is to examine the efficiency and competitiveness of container ports in theBlack Sea Basin, which has a great importance both regionally and globally. The “DataEnvelopment Analysis” (DEA) of the input-oriented CCR model, which is a linear program, wasused to measure the productivity of the ports, and the relative efficiency of the ports wascalculated.

Partially ordered set evaluation of logistics competitiveness of coastal port cites considering carbon emissions

Aiming at the problem of logistics competitiveness of coastal cities, a logistics competitiveness evaluation method based on weighted and partially ordered set combinations is proposed. Carbon emissions and inhalable pollutant concentrations are included in the evaluation scope, and an evaluation index system for the logistics competitiveness of 17 coastal port cities is constructed. The results show that: (1) the competitiveness of the logistics industry in 17 coastal port cities in China has been continuously improved, and the catch-up effect of logistics industry development in coastal port cities such as Shenzhen, Ningbo and Qingdao is obvious. The competitiveness level of the logistics industry shows an obvious spatial imbalance. (2) The competitiveness of the logistics industry in Yingkou, Beibu Gulf and other coastal port cities is low, and the difference in competitiveness of the logistics industry in coastal port cities is the main reason for the overall imbalance. (3) The technological innovation, openness and economic development level of the city and the hinterland have a positive impact on the competitiveness of the logistics industry, and the level of economic development has the greatest contribution to the variance of the competitiveness of the logistics industry. The logistics competitiveness of 17 cities is ranked and classified. The leading cities have core diffusion effects and promote the development of the competitiveness of each city. Suggestions on improving the competitiveness of cities are conducive to the high-quality development of China’s logistics industry.

Beyond throughput: Evaluating maritime port competitiveness using MABAC and Bayesian methods

The performance ranking framework of maritime ports conducted by the World Shipping Council relies solely on a singular criterion, such as container throughput. This ranking method lacks a comprehensive assessment of port competitiveness and may have biases. Therefore, this work proposes a new approach to measure the competitiveness of maritime ports by considering multiple performance criteria, such as port processing time, bunker fuel quality, bunker fuel suppliers, geographical advantages, and port security. To ensure fairness in weight estimation, both objective method (using the Entropy method) and subjective method (using the Best Worst method) are employed and integrated using Bayes’ theorem. Furthermore, the Multi-Attributive Border Approximation Area Comparison (MABAC) method is utilized to evaluate the ranking of ports based on the combined effect of these criteria, referred to as the Port Competitiveness Index (PCI). To test the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, the top 20 major maritime ports on the Asia-Europe service route are determined. This finding highlights the practical insights gained from the study, which can be applied to improve the performance of ports across different service routes worldwide.

International container intermodal competitiveness: An empirical study from Chinese hub ports

The global energy crisis and environmental degradation have prompted ports to strive for green transformation. Intermodal transport, as a green and efficient form of organization in the transport sector, currently has a lot of room for development. How can the competitiveness of intermodal transport be enhanced while realizing the green sustainability of ports? This study objectively evaluates the competitiveness of international container intermodal competitiveness of hub ports and analyzes the characteristics of 16 Chinese ports from 2011 to 2020. The obstacle degree model (ODM) and the panel Tobit model considering random effects are utilized to explore the complex multidimensional elements affecting the competitiveness of intermodal transport in ports. In addressing the imbalanced characteristics of intermodal transport in ports, a variety of augmentation pathways are devised using the dynamic multi-time period fuzzy-sets qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method. The results found that: (1) The competitiveness of intermodal transport in ports shows a “three echelons” structure, requiring the implementation of appropriate augmentation strategies. (2) Elements affecting the competitiveness of intermodal transport in ports are multidimensional, underscoring the significance of holistically considering internal and external elements. (3) The key to enhancing the competitiveness of intermodal transport in ports lies in striking a balance between economic development and prudent attention to multiple dimensions to ensure sustainability. This study enriches the empirical research on intermodal transport in ports. It provides valuable references for ports seeking new avenues of growth and for governments with effective management practices.

Strategies to Improve Competitiveness at Nusantara 1 and 2 Passenger Terminals through Enhanced Service Facilities

Tanjung Priok Port is one of Indonesia's largest and busiest ports, playing a vital role in goods trade and passenger transportation. This research focuses on enhancing the infrastructure at the Nusantara 1 and 2 passenger terminals to increase the port's competitiveness and value, particularly in the passenger terminal area. Using GAP Analysis, literature review, interviews, observations, and documentation, the study aims to provide solutions for improving and expanding passenger terminal facilities to enhance passenger service and value. The findings indicate that optimal maintenance of port infrastructure significantly enhances the port's value and passenger comfort. Observations reveal a yearly increase in passengers at the PURA 1 & 2 terminals, reaching 353,005 passengers in 2022. The temporary waiting room accommodates 1,600 passengers, while the general waiting room holds 3,666 passengers. Despite the good maintenance of these facilities, further improvements are necessary to meet the growing demands.

Enhancing Local Port Competitiveness: Strategies For Facing Challenges From Public Ports and Special Terminals

This research examines the role of local ports in addressing challenges from public ports and special terminals in their vicinity. It focuses on infrastructure, efficiency, connectivity, and competitiveness, using qualitative analysis and a Likert scale questionnaire. Findings reveal that while local ports excel in certain areas, improvements in infrastructure maintenance, operational efficiency, and transport connectivity are needed. Recommendations include investing in infrastructure, improving efficiency, enhancing marketing strategies, fostering collaborations, prioritising sustainability, and focusing on customer satisfaction. Implementing these recommendations can enhance local ports' competitiveness, strengthen their position in the maritime industry, and contribute to regional economic development.

The dynamics of port competition and efficiency in Vietnam amidst COVID-19: a decadal analysis

Vietnamese seaports play an important role as crossroads for import, export and transformation in delivery from maritime transport to rail, road and inland waterway transport. Over the last two decades, the seaport system has been reformed with the participation of private and foreign investors. Consequently, this issue enhances competition between seaports and brings changes to the seaports’ operations. In this article, the relationship between seaport competition and efficiency is examined in the context of Vietnam, an emerging market economy. The longitudinal data from 2011 to 2022 is collected to quantify the competition degree of Vietnamese seaports and Data Envelopment Analysis is used to measure seaport efficiency. A number of measures are used to quantify the competition level of the seaport system over time, including concentration ratio, Gini index, and Hirschman-Herfindahl Index. Besides, market share at both national and regional levels and distance to the nearest competing seaport are criteria of port-level competition. The results advocate an increasing trend of seaport competition in Vietnam. Moreover, based on Tobit regression models, the competition among seaports relates positively to efficiency using both the 2021-2022 and 2015-2016 data sets. Under the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of external factors on seaport efficiency is insignificant and inconsistent due to the disruption of logistics systems and disrupted links to the outside environment.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on connectivity, operational efficiency, and resilience of major container ports in Southeast Asia

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has had significant impacts on the connectivity and performance of container ports in Southeast Asia. The application of social network analysis (SNA) in conjunction with key indicators, such as container throughput, total capacity of ships, number of ship calls, and berth duration, provides a comprehensive understanding of the development of the regional port system. While major ports in the region, namely Singapore, Port Kelang, Manila, and Laem Chabang, have exhibited signs of recovery owing to the expeditious and timely implementation of targeted policies to mitigate the adverse effects of the pandemic, smaller ports in the region, such as Bangkok, Penang, Tanjung Priok, and Tanjung Perak, are grappling with enduring repercussions and encountering challenges in resilience. These challenges stem from inadequate infrastructure, limited accommodation capacity, low loading/unloading productivity, and other significant risk events associated with the pandemic, all of which have weakened their competitiveness. In contrast, ports in Vietnam, including Cai Mep, Hai Phong, and Ho Chi Minh, as well as Malaysia's Tanjung Pelepas, have demonstrated that they are less impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This can be attributed to the sustained growth of their respective economies and the continued surge in domestic production to meet the unabated demand for exports. Based on these findings, several policy recommendations can be suggested for port authorities to effectively manage and mitigate the impact of risky events, such as pandemics, in the future while also enhancing the competitiveness of ports.

Impact of the New International Land–Sea Transport Corridor on Port Competition between Neighboring Countries Based on a Spatial Duopoly Model

The development of international land–sea transport corridors has provided more convenient access to the sea for inland areas and promoted the improvement of transportation efficiency, environmental improvement, and the strengthening of international cooperation. However, the construction of international land–sea transport corridors has also intensified competition among the ports, which has extended from the local and regional to the national and even international levels. This paper explores the impact of international land–sea transport corridors on oligopolistic port competition between neighboring countries using the Hotelling model. By setting up the utility of the shipper’s port selection, the equilibrium price, market share, and profit of duopoly ports in neighboring countries are analyzed under different conditions of cross-border land transportation and maritime transportation. It is found that the high cross-border transportation cost of the international land–sea transport corridor is not conducive to increasing the market share of the overseas oligopolistic ports in the region. If the maritime transportation cost of overseas oligopoly ports is too high compared with domestic oligopoly ports, it will offset the land transport advantages brought by international land–sea transport corridors. The findings in this paper could provide support for strategic decision making in port markets and cross-border transport corridor development.

Advances and emerging research trends in maritime transport logistics: environment, port competitiveness and foreign trade

The operations of international trade drive global economies, with maritime transport serving as a key pillar in market connectivity and acceleration. The opportunities presented by Industry 4.0 to connect supply chain actors through integrated logistics pose a challenge that fuels the number of studies in this area, with a particular interest in the transportation stage due to its responsibilities for efficiency. This study conducts a systematic literature review by analyzing scientometric aspects and identifying research trends related to maritime transportation logistics. The PRISMA methodology, graph theory, and bibliometric indicators such as indegree, betweenness, and outdegree were employed to process the information related to maritime transportation logistics from the Scopus and Web of Science databases spanning from 2000 to 2022. The gathered information and results were processed and analyzed using R-studio and Bibliometrix tools. The documents were classified as original, structural, and research trends, with the latter focused on topics related to the environment, port competitiveness, logistics optimization, and economics. Finally, an agenda for future research in the field is presented.

Price-cutting or incentive? Differentiated competition between regional asymmetric ports

In the process of port integration, the competition between ports in overlapping hinterlands has intensified. Ports adopt differentiated strategies to compete, such as incentive strategy and price-cutting strategy. To analyze the optimal competitive strategies for asymmetric ports in the same region, this article develops a game theory model for port competition between superior and inferior ports. Different from the traditional price competition in ports, this article innovatively explores the market mechanism of incentive strategies based on the actual operation of ports. It also considers the economic status and reputation advantages of ports. Results show that if superior ports follow inferior ports to adopt the price-cutting strategy, it will lead to the prisoner's dilemma. And incentive strategies are the dominant strategies for superior ports, which has two effects: service quality effect and price distortion effect. Incentive strategies are conducive to incentivizing shipping companies and improving port profits.

Evaluation of the Competitiveness of China’s Coastal Container Ports In the Context of the Maritime Silk Road

A scientific and reasonable assessment of port competitiveness will facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the current development of Chinese container ports along the Maritime Silk Road. Considering the network attributes of ports and the repetitive information among indicators, this paper proposes a novel port competitiveness evaluation and grading model based on entropy-improved catastrophe progression method. On the basis of a directed and weighted shipping network, the “dominance” indicator is innovatively introduced. The evaluation system including land-oriented competitiveness, sea-oriented competitiveness, hinterland support capacity and production and operation capacity provides a comprehensive assessment of port competitiveness. It is found that: land-oriented and sea-oriented competitiveness have the greatest influence on port competitiveness. A pattern of “One core, two wings, and four ports’ coordination” has been developed among coastal ports in China. The competition among ports in the Bohai Rim region is fierce, and production and operation ability of ports in the southeast coast needs to be strengthened. Fuzhou port and Rizhao port have high hinterland support and high development potential. The results of this paper can provide decision support for the development and upgrading of China’s coastal ports under the Maritime Silk Road initiative.

Port competition, connectivity and accessibility changes under the disturbance: the case of the Chinese port system

Port competition, connectivity and accessibility changes under the disturbance: the case of the Chinese port system

Strategic Analysis of Hub Port Competitiveness in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe: A Focus on Sustainability and Efficiency

<abstract> <p>The evolution of mega-ships and maritime alliances, in tandem with global changes, has intensified hub port competitiveness, increasing the need for innovation and adaptation, with a focus on sustainability. This study analyzed the competitiveness of the Mediterranean maritime hub port with Northern European ports. It provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitiveness of ten leading international hub ports in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Using the Hybrid F-AHP TOPSIS method, this research first identified and assigned weights to 10 criteria across five categories of port competitiveness from a shipping liner perspective in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. It then ranked those ten leading ports based on the weighted criteria. The results showed that handling cost, operational efficiency, and infrastructure were the main factors for defining a competitive hub port, with growing emphasis on sustainability considerations. The results also highlight that Tangier Med, Algeciras, and Port Said were the leading ports in the region, excelling in technical efficiency and maritime costs compared to Northern European ports. The analysis further provided a holistic overview of competitiveness in the region, identifying the strengths and opportunities of each port based on 5 aspects with a special focus on the hub ports of the Southern Mediterranean. This research offers valuable insights for maritime shippers and port authorities in understanding hub port performance and competitiveness in a sustainable context.</p> </abstract>