Ports are faced with a rapidly changing external environment. Most of the world’s leading ports are closely connected, albeit with complex relationships with their local neighbours. Since urban centres have historically revolved around transport hubs, ports are often located in or near the city centre, an undesired location for ‘environmentally unfriendly’ port activities.

The increased attention of policymakers towards the development of the Port is focused on becoming a critical factor in the development of local economies. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) or Public-Private Initiatives (PPIs) are becoming increasingly common, especially in port redevelopment. Increased competition often leads to more vital commercial awareness, which has caused a continuing trend of privatisation of ports worldwide.

Nevertheless, ports can contribute to urban economic development -While shipping volumes continue to grow, modern-day ports provide users and local communities with stakeholder solutions that add value to their ecosystem.