Willy Winkelmans

Structural changes in logistics: how will port authorities face the challenge?

The market environment in which ports operate has changed dramatically, and this continuous process of change raises questions on the role of port authorities. This paper discusses the impact of some structural changes in international trade, transport and shipping on strategic and operational issues in the framework of port management. The central hypothesis put forward is that a successful port (authority), like a successful actor, must be prepared to constantly adopt new roles in order to cope with the changing market environment. The content and strategic scope of these new roles are highlighted, especially with regard to the European container port system.

Underground Logistics Systems: A Way to Cope with Growing Internal Container Traffic in the Port of Antwerp?

Abstract During the last decade, container traffic was the driving force behind the growth in cargo handling in the port of Antwerp, Belgium. Between 1995 and 2005 container traffic almost tripled, enabling Antwerp to increase its market share in the Hamburg-Le Havre range. Moreover, various recent studies indicate that container traffic will continue to grow strongly in the years to come. In order to be able to respond to these growth perspectives and to safeguard the future position of the port of Antwerp as a container mainport, a new tidal container dock has been built on the left bank of the river Scheldt, the so-called Deurganckdock. This dock will lead to large flows of internal port container traffic between both river banks. As the traditional hinterland transport modes offer insufficient capacity to accommodate the increasing number of containers in the long-term, it seems worthwhile to consider the idea of constructing a dedicated underground logistics system (ULS) to transfer containers between both river banks. This paper presents a first analysis of different variants of such a ULS.

Institutional Drivers and Impediments in the Context of Current Transport Projects

This chapter describes how mobility is a basic need in modern society. Institutional measures are required to make mobility as efficient and sustainable as possible. The need for a comprehensive, integrated and socially-based transport policy has made the decision-making process on large infrastructure projects more complex, both in terms of the procedural aspects and the appraisal and evaluation tools used. Procedures are geared towards meeting an acceptable timeframe, a fail level of involvement of relevant stakeholder and a high level of quality assurance. The ultimate outcome of any transport infrastructure appraisal is a decision whether or not to proceed with a transport project proposal. The presentation of the conclusions and recommendations to decision-makers and key stakeholders is a very important part of the decision-making process.