This article assesses how the European Union (EU) views the role of port authorities. It addresses the impact of EU law and EU policy on port governance models and, in particular, analyses whether the European Commission’s 2007 ports policy communication provides adequate instruments to meet contemporary governance challenges. For that purpose, an overview is first given of some of the main g…
Although ports have a direct and substantial impact on the social and physical environments in which they operate, studies on corporate sustainability focussing on ports are scant. This study investigates the under-researched topic of sustainability communication practices in the European seaport sector. Its purpose is to analyse to what extent, if any, are there differences in these practices.…
The awarding of port services to private operators has become one of the most important tools for port authorities to retain some control on the organization and structure of the supply side of the terminal market. This paper discusses the awarding of terminals in European ports. The first part provides information on current practices of port authorities around Europe on tendering and contract…
The purpose of this paper is to report a comparative investigation of port performance between Western Europe and Eastern Asia and develop a strategy to improve their port performance accordingly. Design/methodology/approach – A comprehensive literature review is conducted in order to identify factors for port performance evaluation. A large-scale questionnaire survey is employed in two port …