Chris Coeck

Strategic Positioning Analysis for Seaports

In this chapter, a Strategic positioning analysis (SPA) is developed as a specific analytical approach consisting of a product portfolio analysis, a shift-share analysis and a diversification analysis. The SPA describes the performance of ports and traffic categories within ports in terms of market share, growth rate, diversification and value added. The SPA needs to be used taking into account the ports position with regard to value-added created by the different traffic categories. By using this integrative instrument, indications on the overall strategic position of ports are provided and will benefit strategy formulation and decision-making on port development.

Containerization and the competitive potential of upstream urban ports in Europe

This paper comments on an article by A. Baird (Maritime Policy and Management, volume 23, number 2, 145-156) regarding upstream ports with restricted maritime accessibility, such as Antwerp and Hamburg. The author of this comment raises questions about the accuracy and validity of Bairds paper and aims to clarify, correct, and extend the results of the analysis originally conducted by Baird, with an emphasis on the competitive position of the port of Antwerp. The author of this comment concludes that the issue of accessibility in Hamburg and Antwerp is less problematic than suggested by Baird.

Conclusion: Evolution Towards Integrated Project Appraisal

This chapter describes how this book will prove to be a benchmark in the transport evaluation literature. The contributors concentrated on their knowledge and expertise in economic evaluation of transport projects. In this conclusion, the different elements that stressed institutional aspects in economic evaluation and the related problems and impediments will be described. In addition, a general conclusion of trend revealed in the different contributions of this book will be provided.