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Do we really know what smart ports, shipping and supply chains are?
Do we really know what smart ports, shipping and supply chains are? Thomas Vitsounis, explained the issue at the AusIntermodal Conference, held in 19-20 November, Sydney, Australia. Thomas joined the discussions regarding the critical issues affecting containerised freight. The themes of the discussions spanned from the planning, funding and successful delivery of major infrastructure projects, to improving supply chain efficiency and ensuring Australia has the regulatory framework for a competitive and sustainable...
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Thinking inside the box
"Container shipping remains at large a humble hero. It's not popular, doesn't attract much attention but works in the background to deliver (pardon the pun). Some might even say that container shipping is boring. Steel boxes are consolidated in ports, loaded into vessels, then usually after a very long journey, they reach their final destination. Doesn't sounds very exciting right? Well, I beg to differ." PortEconomics member Thomas Vitsounis is "thinking inside the box" in his article @ his bi-monthly column in My Logistics...
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Scenarios on alliance formation in container shipping
By Theo Notteboom Having demostrated (see inforgraphic below) how strategic alliances among container shipping companies have changed in the past 20 years, PortEconomics co-director Theo Notteboom, explains the scenarios on alliance formation in container shipping today. Four alliances are operational in the market: 2M, Ocean Three, CKYHE and G6. Alliance partnerships often evolved as a result of mergers and acquisitions (e.g. merger between P&OCL and Nedlloyd and the take-overs by P&O Nedlloyd and SeaLand by Maersk) and...
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The Analyst: port cooperation and mega-ships
In the, often heated, discussions on the effects of mega-ships on shoreside infrastructure, let's include the question of co-operation between nearby ports. PortEconomics co-director Peter de Langen comments that the issue of co-operation is clearly relevant for the two large upstream ports in Europe that have called for such a discussion, Hamburg and Antwerp. At his latest Port Strategy viewpoint column, as The Analyst (more @PortStrategy) Peter comments: "Hamburg was initially involved in, but later stepped out of, the development...
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What's your port business models?
By Jonas Constante The business model described the rationale of how organisation creates, delivers and capture value. When developing the business model ports need to consider both the operations and the environment in which a company exists or will operate. PortEconomics associate member Jonas Mendes Constante express his opinion on port business models at the latest issue (September 2015) of Port Strategy. Read Jonas' article @ PortEconomics.eu....
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The european container system in 2014
By Theo Notteboom With a total maritime container throughput of an estimated 101.5 million TEU in 2014, the European container port system crossed the 100 million TEU mark for the first time ever. Growth was particularly strong in the period 2005- 2007, with an average annual growth rate of 10.5%, compared to 6.8% in the period 1985-1995, 8.9% in 1995-2000 and 7.7% in 2000-2005. The economic crisis, which started to have its full effect in late 2008, put an end to the steep growth curve. Total container throughput increased...
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Do we really know what a “smart” port is?
By Thomas Vitsounis Is 'smart port' just a catchprase, a meaningful term, or many more? Thomas Vistiounis, addresses the issue in the inaugural article of his bi-monthly column in My Logistics e-magazine: "Whilst the title of the article is mainly provocative, it is not very far from reality. Eager to keep up with the latest trends and avoid being characterised as outdated and old-fashioned, the term "smart" port is excessively used by professionals, policy-makers and academics. But in reality, what does having a "smart" port really mean...
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Cyprus creates maritime centre in line with PortEconomics members recommendations
Cyprus is already putting into effect the first recommendations of a study by a team involving PortEconomics members Thanos Pallis and George Vaggelas, and partners, that aims to help the country rekindle growth as a shipping centre after several flat years. The study, prepared after a government tender, has put forward a five-point action plan designed to boost the island against the claims of other maritime hubs and open ship registries at a time of industry volatility and heightened competition. Blueprint for Action The recommendations...
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