Understanding Port Realities, Potential, and Specialization

Port Realities and Potential

The port encompasses various aspects:

• Part of the coast
• An urban space
• An industrial zone
• An intermodal connection point
• A logistics and storage area
• A recreational space for citizens
• A commercial zone
• An element of the landscape
• An access point for berthing and unloading ships

The logistics function significantly impacts a country's foreign trade competitiveness. Modern ports should integrate into the production, transport, and distribution logistics chain, rather than operating as an independent link. Integration is achieved by offering a wide range of services, enhancing the capture and loyalty of the port's primary client: "the cargo." This underscores the importance of port specialization.

Economic Impact and the Logistics Chain

The port area drives significant economic activity for the region or country, involving numerous companies and institutions providing services or fulfilling entrusted tasks.

Logistic Chain: Decisions on when and where to execute activities within the chain are crucial. Define the logistical approach for port integration within the chain.

Interface Point: Integration is achieved by offering diverse services through different terminals, enhancing cargo capture and loyalty.

Port Specialization and Port Terminals

A port terminal is a modal exchanger, typically with a land storage area, coordinating the arrival of goods by sea and land. Its mission is to provide the necessary means and organization for efficient, safe, environmentally conscious, and economical merchandise exchange between land and sea modes.

Classifying Terminals by Presentation Form

Cargo Manipulation:

• Bulk Cargo: Handled in solid and liquid bulk terminals.
• General Merchandise (General Cargo or Break Bulk): Handled in containers of general containerized or non-containerized goods.

General Merchandise and Presentation:

• Conventional: Sacks, boxes, semi-bulk (logs, steel coils), parts (machinery, structures), heavy cargo.
• Unitized: Palletizing, pre-slanted, containers, platforms.

Handling Based on Presentation:

• Liquid Bulk
• Solid Bulk
• Non-containerized General Merchandise
• Containerized General Merchandise

Specialized Terminals Classification

1. Bulk:
   1. Liquid
   2. Solid
2. General Merchandise:
   1. Conventional
   2. Rolled
   3. Containers
3. Multipurpose