FACTORS AFFECTING THE PATTERN OF FUTURE DEMAND IN THE PORTS INDUSTRY

All aspects of United Kingdom transport policy, especially ports policy, is currently under review. The primary objective is to achieve better modal integration. In Europe, a similar process is underway, with an emphasis on fair competition between modes delivered through a reform of funding and charging practices. The United Kingdom is an example of a country where as extensively as possible, a free market has been allowed to develop within the transport sector. The result is that road dominates freight movements because of its high flexibility and convenience. Ports are increasingly competing with rail for U.K. freight traffic following privatization of the rail network. Studies show that coastal shipping can only compete over very long distances. The latest estimates of U.K. port capacity indicated that there would be significant shortfalls in capacity in both ro-ro (roll on-roll off) and lo-lo (container) traffic and the possibility of lesser shortfalls in other commodities. The shift from traditional cargoes to containers and to ro-ro has had, and will continue to have, a major impact on U.K. ports. Equally significant is the rise in increasing trade with Europe. Investment is therefore needed in both ro-ro and container facilities in the future across a range of ports. A list of six conclusions and recommendations for the future is provided.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/03741001
• Corporate Authors:

  International Navigation Association

  Graaf de Ferraris-gebouw, Boulevard du Roi Albert II 20, Box 3
  B-1000 Brussels,   Belgium 
• Authors:
  • Whitehead, D
• Publication Date: 2000-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 17-19
• Serial:
  • Bulletin of the International Navigation Association
  • Issue Number: 104
  • Publisher: International Navigation Association
  • ISSN: 0374-1001

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Container traffic; Containerization; Costs; Economic policy; International trade; Modal split; Port capacity; Port traffic; Ports; Public policy; Railroad transportation; Roll on roll off shipping; Transportation policy
• Geographic Terms: Europe; United Kingdom
• Subject Areas: Economics; Finance; Freight Transportation; Marine Transportation; Policy; Public Transportation; Railroads; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00792424
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 26 2000 12:00AM