Current publications

Despite the European Union (EU) efforts promoting policies that encourage short sea shipping (SSS) based on its advantages in terms of intermodality and environment, this mode has not yet reached a significant market share compared to land transport. In this paper, we establish a thesis that suggests that funding programs (such as Marco Polo I and II) have not properly offered the right incentives to promote SSS, and aspects such as the key role of port infrastructure and its characteristics, have not been taken into consideration. In a departure from traditional transport cost models, to prove our thesis, we use a theoretical intermodal competition model to compare alternative modes—road transport vs. SSS. We reach the conclusion that the EU needs to focus on ports and transport system efficiency as a whole in order to compete effectively in the freight transport market.     

Towards a common ports policy? EU-proposals and the ports industry's perceptions

This paper discusses the European Union's (EU) proposals to improve the efficiency and infrastructure of European ports, and investigates the extent to which these proposals are welcomed by the ports industry. On the one hand, the analysis of the recent EU policy developments makes apparent that the EU is increasingly impinging upon the port industry's life. On the other hand, the findings of the semi-structured interviews with the industry's representatives suggest that although port authorities and port operators remain in principle against a coherent common EU ports policy, the industry believes that certain EU initiatives can enhance the competitiveness of the maritime transport system.     

Towards a common ports policy? EU-proposals and the ports industry's perceptions

This paper discusses the European Union's (EU) proposals to improve the efficiency and infrastructure of European ports, and investigates the extent to which these proposals are welcomed by the ports industry. On the one hand, the analysis of the recent EU policy developments makes apparent that the EU is increasingly impinging upon the port industry's life. On the other hand, the findings of the semi-structured interviews with the industry's representatives suggest that although port authorities and port operators remain in principle against a coherent common EU ports policy, the industry believes that certain EU initiatives can enhance the competitiveness of the maritime transport system.     

The external cost of speed at sea: An analysis based on selected short sea shipping routes

According to the mid-term review of the EU White Paper on Transport, Short Sea Shipping (SSS) is expected to grow at a rate of 59% (metric tonnes) between 2000 and 2020. If we consider that the overall expected increase in both freight exchanges and volume is 50%, sea transport is one of the most feasible alternatives to reduce traffic congestion on European roads. Maritime transportation may compete with road transport as far as certain traffics are concerned, but only when assuming external costs. This paper analyzes several intermodal transport chains involving a sea leg by comparing the effect of pollutant emissions from different ship types and road transport in terms of potential external cost savings. The translation of these emissions into environmental costs shows, for certain conditions, savings in the case of sea transport that would justify the use of an environmental bonus to promote the sea option.     

Towards a simplified performance-linked value for money model as a reference point for bus contract payments

The burgeoning commitment to contracting the delivery of bus services through competitive tendering or negotiated performance-based contracts has been accompanied by as many contract payments schemes as there are contracts. We are now well placed to design a simplified performance-linked payment (SPLP) model that can be used as a reference point to ensure value for money, given the accumulation of experiences throughout the world which have revealed substantive common elements in contracts. Whether the payment to the operator is framed as a payment per passenger or as a payment per service kilometre, the SPLP identifies efficient subsidy outcomes that are linked to a proxy indicator of net social benefit per dollar of subsidy. We illustrate how the SPLP model can be applied to obtain the gross (subsidy) cost per passenger (or per passenger km) from measures of gross cost efficiency and network effectiveness. This model can then be used as part of a benchmarking activity to identify reference value of money prospects in respect of passengers per $ subsidy outlay by adjusting for influences not under the control of the service provider. A single framework to identify contract payments to operators, and to assess (i.e., benchmark) operator performance on critical KPIs, is provided by internalising critical key performance indicators (KPIs) in the design of the SPLP. The proposed SPLP model is sufficiently general to be independent of the procurement method (competitive tendered or negotiated, for example) and of the treatment of revenue allocation (net or gross based contracts), with the additional advantage of being able to assess value for money for government.     

Competitiveness between short sea shipping and road freight transport in mainland port connections; the case of two Greek ports

While road freight transport is essential to any modern economy, short sea shipping (SSS) offers a competitive alternative mode of freight transport in terms of private and social costs, when applied in the connection of mainland ports. This mainly stems from the fact that within the context of the latter costs, accidents and environmental impacts in many road links constitute undesirable externalities with which road freight transport is heavily burdened. This paper compares the aforementioned economics of road and sea transport with reference to the connection of the port of Patra (the main western freight gate of Greece) with West Attica (the biggest Greek industrial centre), aiming at providing a viable solution towards the promotion of SSS in the transport chain between mainland ports.     

基于仿真建模的综合港区道宽规模和闸口数量规划研究

合理规划港区闸口通道数量和道路宽度是保证整个港区集疏运顺畅的关键因素。首先对码头闸口系统的作业特点和道路通行能力进行研究,定性分析并给出了闸口通道数量和道路通行能力相关参数的理论计算公式。然后利用计算机仿真技术,结合离散事件动态理论、排队论及交通流理论,建立了港区码头闸口通道数量及道路宽度仿真复合模型,并针对实际案例进行仿真试验研究。研究方法对提高港区规划设计水平有一定的参考意义。     

综合港区集疏运系统路网结构建模与分析*

基于复杂系统理论的网络分析方法,建立了港口集疏运道路系统的网络模型,依据路网结构的拓扑关系图,分析网络节点的度分布等结构参数,结合实际案例对综合港区的集疏运系统路网结构进行仿真试验研究.研究成果对于港口的规划设计具有参考价值.     

EU maritime transport

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the European maritime transport policy within the context of maritime politics at large. At the outset the legal framework conditions and supportive instruments for the shipping and port industries are presented. Against the background of recent accidents at sea, such as the sinking of ERIKA and PRESTIGE, the EU legislation on maritime safety is of particular interest as it is both complex and rapid in reaction to environmental needs and political pressure. Finally, the sensible relationship between the EU as a regional organization and the IMO as “the competent international organization” is discussed with a view to reconcile possible rivalry and to suggest a complementary cooperation between the two organizations.     

集装箱港区交通量计算模式探讨及道路系统的适应性分析

针对集装箱港区吞吐量增长给港区公路集疏运系统所带来的压力,研究公路交通量与集装箱公路集疏运量的关系。通过建立集装箱港区公路交通量的计算模式,并借助交通工程学的有关理论分析港口道路集疏运系统的适应性。本计算模式可指导集装箱港区公路集疏运系统的规划设计,保证集装箱港区公路集疏运系统的顺畅,为类似工程提供参考。     

Swedish ports’ attitudes towards regulations of the shipping sector's emissions of CO2

Shipping is increasing today along with the sector's emissions of greenhouse gases. The awareness of the emissions has increased the pressure for regulations of the shipping industry. Regulating the sector is far from simple due to the complexity of the market and the evasive characteristics of the industry. We know from studies of road pricing that attitudes among stakeholders are important for a successive policy implementation. The objective of this paper is to capture the Swedish ports’ attitudes towards regulations of the shipping sector's emissions of CO₂ . This has been done by conducting a survey among commercial ports in Sweden. To our knowledge, this is the first study of this kind. Our analysis indicates that ports in Sweden are generally positive towards an implementation of regulations to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from the shipping industry. The ports where most positive towards CO₂ differentiated port due (97%), followed by a technical standard (92%), CO₂ taxation (84%) and EU ETS (The European Union Emissions Trading Scheme; 74%).     

The Port of Melbourne Authority's pricing policy: its efficiency and distribution implications

The objective of this paper is investigate the extent to which the new (revised) pricing policy has improved the level of efficiency at the Port of Melbourne and to assess the contributions of the underlying factors of port efficiency. Further, it attempts to examine the distribution implications of the pricing policy between the major port users (i.e. shipowners and shippers) and its revenue implication for the Port of Melbourne. Using a conceptual framework derived from economic theories, in-house data and responses from the port users, the study reveals that the efficiency impact has been considerable and varied between berths; land transport links and crane productivity improvements were the major factors of the port's overall efficiency; the initial losers have been the shipowners and initial gainers the shippers; however, the gains have been limited and in some cases have been offset by the introduction of higher port service charges; in the long run it is likely that the shipowners and shippers' situations will be unchanged while the Port of Melbourne will lose revenue due to improvements in berth productivity uncompensated by greater traffic volume.     

A conceptual framework for cooperation in hinterland development between neighbouring seaport authorities

The hinterland of a port is probably the most important aspect in the competition between gateway ports. This paper, starting with a literature overview, shows how the port authority can extend its hinterland with the aim of increasing its attractiveness and, eventually, its throughput. To achieve this, it can be advantageous to cooperate with adjacent port authorities. Together, through cooperation, economies of scale can be realised that facilitate a modal shift away from road to a more efficient and more sustainable transport. This would reduce the cost of transport to/from the hinterland region from/to these ports consequently increasing the attractiveness and the market share of the cooperating ports for this region. The paper describes a conceptual method to identify and quantify the opportunities for cooperation in the hinterland. The framework starts, after some basic transport economic concepts, from (theoretically available) hinterland data to locate regions that are at the edge of the contested hinterland of a port region and results in a methodology that can be used to generate a quantified list of regions where cooperation will make a difference. Using this methodology, port authorities (PAs), of any region where hinterland data are available, can list, together with their neighbours, the regions where to prioritise their efforts.     

Announcements

The large variety of factors that influence port performance complicates the determination of port efficiency. This paper presents a new approach to the measurement of efficiency. Data envelopment analysis (DEA), as a it is called, has particular applicability in the service sector. Applying mathematical programming techniques. DEA enables relative efficiency ratings ti be derived within a set of analysed units. Thus it does not require the developmentof ‘standards’ against which efficiency is measured, although such standards can be incorporated in the DEA analysis. The efficiency of units is compared with an ‘efficiency envelope’ that contains the most efficient units in the group. The DEA approach will be demonstrated by a hypothetical numerical example where the performance of 20 ports are compared. The DEA efficiency ratings can be useful tool for port managers and for researchers, providing a deeper insight into port performance. Weaknesses can be detected, leadungs the way to potential improvements.     

Port performance comparison applying data envelopment analysis (DEA)

The large variety of factors that influence port performance complicates the determination of port efficiency. This paper presents a new approach to the measurement of efficiency. Data envelopment analysis (DEA), as a it is called, has particular applicability in the service sector. Applying mathematical programming techniques. DEA enables relative efficiency ratings ti be derived within a set of analysed units. Thus it does not require the developmentof 'standards' against which efficiency is measured, although such standards can be incorporated in the DEA analysis. The efficiency of units is compared with an 'efficiency envelope' that contains the most efficient units in the group. The DEA approach will be demonstrated by a hypothetical numerical example where the performance of 20 ports are compared. The DEA efficiency ratings can be useful tool for port managers and for researchers, providing a deeper insight into port performance. Weaknesses can be detected, leadungs the way to potential improvements.     

Comparative analysis of port competency requirements in Vietnam and Korea

ABSTRACT

Much research has been conducted recently on the changing role of ports in the context of international logistics and supply chain management focusing on issues such as port efficiency and competitiveness. However, little research has been found on the critical aspect that contributes to making a port efficient and effective, especially, in the new era: the port human capital. As seaports play a critical role in the supply chain, it is thus important that the port personnel possess necessary competencies to contribute to port efficiency and turn the port into an effective supply chain partner. In this paper, this research issue is explored through a conceptual model of competencies and validated empirically by a survey with port executives in Vietnam and Korea. As a result, important managerial insights are drawn to the design and implementation of human resource development policy for ports.     

Operational performance evaluation of major container ports in the Asia-Pacific region

If international container ports are to gain a proper appreciation of their various advantages, disadvantages and potential opportunities in a globally competitive environment, it is essential that they conduct effective evaluation of their operational performance. The present study applies five models of data envelopment analysis (DEA) to acquire a variety of complementary information about the operational efficiency of major container ports in the Asia-Pacific region and to identify trends in port efficiency. The study first establishes the causes of inefficiency on the basis of efficiency value analysis. Slack variable analysis is then used to identify potential areas of improvement for inefficient ports. This is followed by the utilization of return to scale analysis to assess whether each port is in a state of increasing, decreasing, or constant return to scale. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to identify which input or output variables have larger weights in terms of efficiency. The results provide valuable information for port managements in their attempts to establish competitive strategies for the future and to improve their resource utilization for ongoing improvements in operational efficiency.     

中英有关港口道路铺面设计规范对比分析

对比分析中英规范关于港口道路铺面设计的计算步骤、方法及差异,并通过某工程采用的铺面结构计算实例进行对比说明,为海外港口工程中的铺面设计提供参考。     

Operational performance evaluation of major container ports in the Asia-Pacific region

If international container ports are to gain a proper appreciation of their various advantages, disadvantages and potential opportunities in a globally competitive environment, it is essential that they conduct effective evaluation of their operational performance. The present study applies five models of data envelopment analysis (DEA) to acquire a variety of complementary information about the operational efficiency of major container ports in the Asia-Pacific region and to identify trends in port efficiency. The study first establishes the causes of inefficiency on the basis of efficiency value analysis. Slack variable analysis is then used to identify potential areas of improvement for inefficient ports. This is followed by the utilization of return to scale analysis to assess whether each port is in a state of increasing, decreasing, or constant return to scale. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is conducted to identify which input or output variables have larger weights in terms of efficiency. The results provide valuable information for port managements in their attempts to establish competitive strategies for the future and to improve their resource utilization for ongoing improvements in operational efficiency.     

基于位序-规模法则的区域港口群发展演化规律

为合理利用港口资源、减少恶意竞争,提出基于位序-规模法则的港口群发展演化规律研究方法。以吞吐量为衡量港口规模的指标,以变异系数、基尼系数等指数研究区域港口群规模差异,以首位度指数判断区域港口群是否服从位序-规模分布,进而基于位序-规模理论研究区域港口群规模分布,定量分析区域港口群发展演化规律。实例分析以欧盟港口群为研究对象,结果表明:欧盟港口群规模差异较大,不均衡程度会逐年增大;欧盟港口群符合位序-规模法则,随着港口位序由高到低,吞吐量增长率会随之减小。