Evaluating the competition dynamics of container ports in the North Adriatic

Port competition is very often analysed and the analysis depends on the criteria that we take into consideration. In the UNCTAD [1] publications, the geographical location, hinterland networks, port tariffs, efficiency of land transport and port information system are selected as the most important criteria. Bichou and Gray [2] concluded that the port competition depends also on institutional and functional levels of management. All of them agree that the geographical location of a seaport is one of the most important elements and when we talk about the containerized traffic this is even more important, because more than 90% of trade of industrialized countries is transported in containers. The transit time is very important in container transport. Therefore, the location of the port must be close to the main corridors. Port competitiveness of East Asia was analysed by Yap et al [3], Notteboom [4] analysed the European port system, Yeo et al [5] analysed the ports in Korea and China. In addition, Ducret and Notteboom [6] presented the influence of the shipping network to the port system and port spatial development. Based on the literature related to port competition and port selection we have analysed the port system in the North Adriatic area and in accordance with this we have prepared a model to describe the ports’ relations. ARTICLE INFO