Relevance of Efficient Hinterland Access for the Inter-Port Competitiveness of European Container Ports

Abstract

Driven by globalization and increasing world trade volumes most European seaports have seen significant growth rates especially in container traffic over the period from 2000 to 2008. With regard to the future growth perspectives, most European container ports have carried out ambitious plans for the extension of container handling capacities. Due to the economic crisis in 2008 and the inherent stagnation of container volumes after the recovery 2010 the terminal landscape can be characterized by overcapacities. Further plans for the provision of additional container facilities such as in Wilhelmshaven (Jade-Weser-Port), Southern UK (London Gateway) and Rotterdam (Maasvlakte II) as well as the upgrade and optimization of existing handling facilities are supposed to intensify the inter-port competition in Northern Europe. Therefore, the hinterland access of the ports will gain importance as competitive element.