The efficiency of port operations is a major driver of trade competitiveness and the ability of ports to compete in a complex and evolving market structure. Steps must be taken to support the adoption of relevant technologies and solutions in ports, including for customs automation and port community systems. Port performance helps determine the standing of ports. Understanding the performance of ports helps inform relevant port-related planning and decision-making processes. Efforts must be taken to refine port performance measurements, by investing in data collection capabilities and supporting information and communications technology platforms that lower data collection and analysis costs. Though it is difficult to make effective international comparisons of port performance.
standardization
of port performance measures and metrics will support meaningful
benchmarking and reliable comparisons and rankings. It is essential
to examine the perceptions of users and stakeholders regarding port
performance or user or stakeholder satisfaction measurement.
Government has a role to play by supporting small to medium-sized
ports in adapting to the new situation, including through policy work
and other facilitative arrangements that would support the
improvement of the services in the respective hinterlands, rather
than competing for international trans-shipment hub. In order to help
the secondary and smaller ports maintain their market position, it is
necessary to identify which strategy to follow to attract mainline or
feeder service providers. It is very important to improve the
understanding of the determinants of cargo dwell time. Governments
can address inefficiencies and unlock the capacity constraints
related to the ports through regulations, incentives, policy measures
and investments, including to ensure efficient operations by border
management and clearing agencies. Furthermore, the participation of
private terminal operators through public-private partnerships is
evolving as an important mechanism to leverage greater private
investment participation in port development and to access
specialized skills, innovations, and new technologies that are
associated with infrastructure development, operation and
maintenance. Governments can build on the extensive public-private
partnership models to define a suitable public-private partnership
strategy that would ensure successful collaboration and generate
sustainable development outcomes. The important requirements for a
successful public-private partnership are: well-designed
public-private partnership agreements that ensure appropriate risk
sharing and flexibility, a clear policy framework that addresses and
mitigates risks, a legal and regulatory system that makes sure that
agreements are effective and enforceable, and an institutional
framework within government including technical and managerial
capacities, to properly manage the process. It is a fact that the
private operators are the key partners in the development and
competitiveness of the ports. Not only does it help improve the
movement of goods efficiently and cost-effectively through enhanced
infrastructure and services, but also contribute to better port
sustainability and competitiveness through new technologies, improved
supply chain management, hinterland connectivity and door-to-door
delivery. Ports should formulate policies and devise plans on how
best to adapt to the requirements of the changing liner shipping
market environment. Terminal operators, ports and shipping lines
should engage in closer cooperation to mitigate the negative impact
of growing cost pressures. The cost pressures may lead to increasing
port charges, although this may prove difficult, due to the current
market conditions. If the terminal operators are forced to leave the
market because of lower margins or refrain from investing in new
capacity because of uncertain returns, then it will be difficult for
the container port industry to service the liner shipping sector, in
particular, larger ships.