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The future of terminal concessions: the portuguese case
PortEconomics co-director Theo Notteboom gave a presentation during a high-level seminar on the 'Future perspectives for port concessions' organized by ENIDH (Escola Nautica Infante D. Henrique) in late May in Lisbon, Portugal. Theo elaborated on the increasing role of performance targets in terminal concessions, in particular through the inclusion of volume guarantees, modal split targets and environmental objectives in concession contracts. Theo's presentation was followed by a lively debate between Mr. Pedro Galvão (President of CPC),...
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Finding the best location for value-added logistics services (VALS)
PortEconomics co-director Theo Notteboom along with Lu Chen of ITMMA - University of Antwerp in Belgium jointly published a study in the academic journal International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management on "Cost perspective on the location of value-added logistics services in supply chains". The study discusses the location of VALS and its impact on supply chain configurations and logistics costs. In particular, the research focuses on: 1) the importance of VALS in cost terms to the supply chain; 2) the impact of location decisions...
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Motivation tools for dock workers and seafarers
PortEconomics co-director Theo Notteboom, along with Kyriaki Mitroussi (Cardiff University) published a port study entitled 'Getting the work done: motivation needs and processes for seafarers and dock workers' in the academic journal WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs. In the study, Theo and Kyriaki argue that most of current literature on motivation at work is acontextual neglecting the role of contextual layers found in distinct industries or professional environments. The aim is to extend traditional notions of work motivation by...
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LNG bunkering facilities in north-european ports
As the schedule for the application of the strict sulphur limits - enacted by IMO from 2015 - in the emission control areas (ECA) is fast approaching, ports not only find it their responsibility to quickly adapt to the upcoming emission regulations, but they also intend to rapidly respond to port users' environmental needs for obtaining competitive advantage. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is one of the attractive fuels for ships that can help ports to achieve these goals. PortEconomics co-director Theo Notteboom along with Siyang Wang,...
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Incentive approaches to overcome moral hazard in port concession agreements
Incentive approaches to overcome moral hazard in port concession agreements is the subject of the recent port study conducted by PortEconomics co-director Thanos Pallis along with Grace Wang and was published in 67th issue of Transportation Research Part E, providing a game theory foundation for port concession agreements, using the incentive mechanism design. This study identifies the post contractual moral hazard problem, and provides a model involving performance-based concession fees to align successfully the Port Authorities'...
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Outlook for european ports 2014
Theo Notteboom, PortEconomics co-director, provided an outlook of trends in the European port industry to port authorities and port sector experts that gathered in Sweden during the ESPO 2014 Conference. Theo presented the signs of recovery, although the traffic volumes are below those of 2008. There is a recovery in dry bulk while liquid bulk is declining, whereas Container business is on the rise with 27%. The LNG market for bunkering is a very important and booming market that will play a significant role in the future. LNG for bunkering...
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ESPO2014: the PortEconomics diary
PortEconomics co-directors and several members of the PortEconomics team are in Gothenburg, Sweden, to attend the European Sea Ports Organisation 2014 Conference. While they shape discussion of the conference they provide to the readers of our initiative the "PortEconomics diary" live from Gothenburg. Under the overall theme "level playing field between ports, a must or a myth", the conference aims at giving some more substance to this concept by looking how ports compete at different levels, which factors determine competition, which...
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World Economic Forum report provides blueprint to close infrastructure financing gap
The importance of infrastructure as a key driver of growth, competitiveness and social well-being is well established. Yet, as highlighted in the World Economic Forum's report, Infrastructure Investment Policy Blueprint, a significant number of economically viable infrastructure investments are not moving forward. The global investment shortfall in infrastructure is estimated to be at least US$ 1 trillion per annum. Enhanced participation from the private sector, while not a complete panacea, could do much to close this gap. The report...
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