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  • April 15th, 2021
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PortReport 5 | Transparency in governance: seaport practices European Port Policy

PortReport 5 | Transparency in governance: seaport practices

June 22nd, 2020 European Port Policy, Featured, PortReport, PortStudies, Thematic Area

Photo: Seshu-b/ Unsplash

READ ALSO

Port system evolution in Ecuador: migration, location splitting or specialisation?
Port system evolution in Ecuador: migration, location splitting or specialisation?
Venice move a reminder that going green is key for cruising
Venice move a reminder that going green is key for cruising
GREPORT 2020: all about Greek ports
GREPORT 2020: all about Greek ports
Port system evolution in Ecuador: migration, location splitting or specialisation?
Port system evolution in Ecuador: migration, location splitting or specialisation?

Download PortReport No 5 – Transparency in governance: seaport practices

PortReport No 5 explores the levels and standards of transparency in the governance of ports. Key actors in port governance, such as government departments involved in port policy-making, port authorities, and port regulators need to be transparent about their behavior, policies, and practices as a way of enhancing economic performance and accountability to their stakeholders, particularly the community that hosts the port. The report explores the availability of information to the general public and port stakeholders through the ports most public face—its website and examines key transparency indicators used at public ports in North America, Europe, and South America. The constructed database includes 87 ports, 23 in the United States (U.S.), 17 in Canada, 21 in South and Central America and the Caribbean (LAC), and 26 in Europe.

This exploratory investigation centered on identifying the parameters that would be useful for the general public to have sufficient information to monitor, review and, in many cases, participate in the decision-making process carried out by the port authority, irrespective of whether or not laws mandate such disclosure. Fifty-one items were identified for the examination of each port’s website, focusing primarily on four major categories: decision-making governance, port communications and accessibility, transparency in reporting, and transparency in port operational activities. Beyond reporting the findings, and regional variations, with respect to each of these 51 items, nine have been selected as potential proxies that might serve as key indicators for recording and monitoring the evolution of port transparency levels over time.

The research of PortEconomics members Mary R. Brooks, Geraldine Knatz, Thanos Pallis and Gordon Wilmsmeier reveals uneven levels of port transparency, as well as the need for further improvements in that transparency. At a practical level, the study reveals a need for increasing the existing levels and standards of transparency in the governance of the port industry, and for greater consistency between ports within a region. The analysis also provides details on those aspects where port transparency is satisfactory. The report concludes with a research agenda for future research in this field.


PortReport is a PortEconomics series designed to disseminate studies on port economics, policy, and management to a wider readership. Studies included in the series contain original, unpublished research and are subject to approval by the editorial team, with authors retaining copyright of the published work. The opinions expressed and arguments employed herein do not necessarily reflect official views of the PortEconomics team.  The content might be reproduced subject to citation of the original source.  PortReport studies are published regularly and are freely available electronically on the PortEconomics webpage under “PortReport”. To read previous issues of PortReport visit: www.porteconomics.eu/portreport.

Photo: Seshu-b/ Unsplash

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Mary Brooks

As Professor Emerita, Dalhousie University, I have the luxury of working on challenging and even wicked problems. My research and consulting practice focus on transportation and global supply chain management. I am particularly interested in the relationships between the buyers and sellers of transportation services. A Canada–US Fulbright scholar at George Mason University in 2005, I investigated the impact of security regulations on the US’ maritime container trade. In 2010, as a Visiting Scholar at the Institute for Transport and Logistics Studies at the University of Sydney, I examined the coastal shipping market in Australia and how buyers make mode choice decisions. The research findings are particularly interesting if you think that carbon pricing is worth pursuing. It has also won the International Association of Maritime Economists best paper 2011 prize and the Korea Association of Maritime Industry Prize 2012. Read this research before you make up your mind on how we solve global challenges like climate change. With a passionate interest in how to make Canadian supply chains better, and a keen eye on the world of shipping and ports, I founded the Port Performance Research Network in 2001 to examine how to make ports more effective in adding value to their users’ supply chains through governance reform and benchmarking. I also have an active research program in the area of short sea shipping. My transportation consulting practice focuses on understanding my clients needs and helping them create value for those they serve. This may range from conducting credible research, acting as an expert witness, seeking answers to wicked questions, running a focus group or providing corporate education in the transportation management and international marketing fields. I am keen to help others find a way forward in both complex and complicated situations.

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Top-20 cruise ports in the Med, 2010-2019
https://vimeo.com/421473720?loop=1
Evolution of container volumes in European ports, 1985-2018
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=7oAfZCtiPrY
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Apr 14th 6:47 PM
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Port system evolution in Ecuador: migration, location splitting or specialisation?

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Thematic Area

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Determinants of sustainability reporting in the present institutional context: the case of port managing bodies

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