Port (computer networking)

Abstract: This article aims to identify empirically the most important location advantages determining the port of Antwerp's competitive position for containers and conventional cargo as compared to its main rivals in the Hamburg-Le Havre range. A conceptual framework is developed for analysing the competitiveness of seaports, based on an extended version of Porter's ‘diamond’ approach. This framework is tested through a large scale survey with port operators and experts. This article suggests that the port of Antwerp largely benefits from the superstructure used by forwarders, the flexibility and the productivity of its dockworkers and its forwarders. The analysis also identifies three key disadvantages, namely the weak competitiveness of pilotage and inland navigation service providers in the port of Antwerp, and the limited maritime accessibility of the port. The introduction of the extended ‘diamond’ framework allows the identification of a set of strengths and weaknesses characterising a specific port cluster and can thus contribute substantially to the development of port policy and management.

Abstract: The ongoing development of world trade has increased the demand for safe and resilient container transport. In this paper, we apply the concept of resilience to the context of a port-hinterland container transportation network. We first propose our definition of resilience within this context, and then build an integer programming model to obtain a quantitative measure of resilience from the perspective of shippers. The model is tested using a numerical simulation based on the specific case of Gothenburg Port and part of its hinterland. Finally, the validity and reliability of the model are tested.

Abstract: This paper analyzes the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative on Europe with a specific focus on Italy. We concentrate on the impact of new railways and port infrastructures on bilateral trade. Our analysis suggests that the development of new railway connections will benefit most of the Northern and Central European countries. Some industries like automotive and electronics that have a higher value to weight ratio will benefit more than others. However, due to higher costs, railway services will never reach a high percentage of total import/export flows. Investment in new port facilities, although less “new” compared with railways, may be a bigger game changer. The development of the Port of Piraeus has already increased the importance of the Mediterranean Sea as an import/export hub for China. If the other planned investments in Egypt and Algeria are completed, this phenomenon will be magnified. This presents a huge challenge for Italy. The Italian port in the high Adriatic Sea could be displaced by Piraeus capacity, especially if this port is linked through railways with the center of Europe. Italy needs to coordinate its ports together with its railway network to take advantage of Belt and Road Initiative opportunities.

Abstract: This paper illustrates some practical Geographical Information System (GIS) applications for aiding fishery managers and coastal area planners in analysing the likely interactions of ports, inshore fleets, and local non-migratory inshore stocks, and in providing a flexible modelling framework for decision making on fishery development and zoning issues. The classic geographical “friction of distance” approach to generating fields of action around home ports of inshore fleets which largely make day trips to their adjacent fishing grounds, is compared with a more flexible empirical “Gaussian Effort Allocation” (GEAM) modelling approach where peak effort may occur at different distances from port. The latter approach is considered more appropriate in describing resource depletion with distance. The geographical implications of fishing effort and intensity fields are contrasted, and compared with Beverton and Holt’s (1957)ideas on the effect of distance from port on the “limiting effort distribution”. Similar readily-calculated geographical reference points for inshore fishing fleets are derived. The GEAM framework allows a range of geographical characteristics to be taken into account in describing the interactions of ports and local fleets with inshore resources and local fishing grounds, and unlike friction of distance concepts, allows for resource depletion close to port. Two examples are given of fitting effort “fields” from port-based fleets to observed data, in this case on survey biomass, following the assumption of local effort allocation proportional to local catch rate. Procedures are also suggested for collecting prior information on fleet activity to tune the model. The GEAM model is also suggested as an aid to deciding on the location of marine parks or fishery closure areas.