Port‐centric logistics

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to examine traditional, current and emerging roles played by ports in the context of logistics and supply chain management practice and strategy. The paper also seeks to elaborate the emerging concept of port-centric logistics. Design/methodology/approach -The paper draws its insights and conclusions from a review of the literature, and an analysis of current trends and data concerning the ports and maritime transport sector. Findings -The paper shows that ports can play a variety of different roles within supply chains and that they are not restricted to their traditional role of simple transhipment point for freight.Research limitations/implications -While the paper reviews the roles played by ports in logistics and supply chain management generally, a useful next step would be to analyse specific flows and activities at/through ports within selected supply chains, thus allowing validation of a framework of roles for ports in the context of various supply chain strategies. Practical implications -The paper highlights the potential, which in many cases is still latent, for ports to engage in port-centric logistics activities. Originality/value -The paper both highlights (given the fact that the vast majority of freight at some point transits ports) and extends the understanding of the role(s) of ports within supply chains.

Analysis of the potential contribution of value-adding services (VAS) to the competitive logistics strategy of ports

“…Modern ports have generally experienced rapid developments in becoming inter-linking points for different modes of transport; hence accelerators of inter-modal transport integration. Mangan et al (2008) joined others such as Pando et al (2005) and Beresford et al (2004) in supporting the view that in addition to the traditional role of freight transhipment, there are various adaptable roles ports can play within the supply chain in a bid to reach and satisfy the ever-dynamic expectations and demands of port users. Given the position of ports in the distribution of materials and products, they have consequently become nodes for the integration of various global supply chains.…”

“…The port is an integral component of the global supply chain where customisation has increasingly gained momentum. This reflects the widely acknowledged trend for port logistics VAS (Wall, 2007;Mangan, et. al.…”

“…This has boosted the evolving notion of 'port-centric logistics', which advocates the potential of ports to be centres for the provision of distribution and other supporting activities (Mangan et al, 2008;Analytiqa, 2007;Wall, 2007). In other words, these ports that have further developed distributive and logistics functions are also referred to as hub ports (UNCTAD, 1992;Anderson et al, 2008).…”

Developing Walvis Bay Port into a logistics gateway for southern Africa: Issues, challenges and the potential implications for Namibia’s future

“…Their port-based hubs have become the cornerstone of their economic growth and a key component in their nation's attempts to achieve competitive advantage (Mangan, Lalwani & Fynes 2008). This has inspired some regions to base their development strategy on logistics clusters.…”

Integrating intermodal transport with logistics: a case study of the UK retail sector

“…This paper will look primarily at the Anglo-Scottish movements from DCs in the Midlands to Scotland, as representative of both successful intermodal transport and trends towards greater centralisation. However, port flows will also be considered, as some discussion of locating importfocused distribution centres at ports has taken place in recent years (Mangan et al, 2008;Pettit & Beresford, 2009;Monios & Wilmsmeier, 2012) and Tesco and Asda have both located large general merchandise import centres at the port of Teesport. From a port's point of view, this allows them not only to secure cargo throughput, but to earn additional revenue from these activities on their land (Pettit & Beresford, 2009).…”