Description

Logistics integration and network orientation in the port and maritime industry
have redefined the functional role of ports in value chains and have generated new
patterns of freight distribution and new approaches to port hierarchy. Existing
models on the spatial and functional evolution of ports and port systems only
partially fit into the new freight distribution paradigm. This paper aims to add to
existing literature by introducing a port regionalization phase in port and
port system development. It is demonstrated that the regionalization phase
and associated hinterland concepts demand new approaches to port governance
and a functional focus that goes beyond the traditional port perimeter.