Empirical investigation on container port competition and complementarity

Abstract

The study aims to conduct an empirical investigation on container port competition and complementarity patterns. Interviews with industry players such as terminal operators, container lines, shippers, as well as port authorities are carried out. Industrial data obtained are then cross-referenced with secondary sources. The above approach is to help in the identification of any underlying trend of container port competition and complementarity and provide a holistic understanding of the recent container market settings. In the aspect of the container port competition, two port types consisting of transshipment hub and gateway port are included in the analysis. The analytical data derived contain mainly discussions on port selection criteria and its process from the perspectives of shippers and shipping lines, competitive factors among ports and lastly, emphasis is placed on “supply chain integration” which is one of the most important elements in today’s logistical environment. Furthermore, the report studies on container port complementarity through information gathered from port authorities, in particular on those sister ports’ agreements signed. These are then cross-referenced with secondary data sources containing throughput statistics to demonstrate the complementarity level among these sister ports.