C2.2 Port Economics

A port is a place that provides for the transfer of cargo and passengers to and from vessels. Also, it is an economic unit, a place that provides terminal services to transportation carriers, and a node in a transportation network. The benefits of a port to its region include direct and indirect benefits. Port economics is the study of the economic decisions (and their consequences) of the users and providers of port services. Port users include shippers, passengers, and carriers. Port (or terminal) operators are the primary service providers; other service providers include, for example, ship agents, customs brokers, ship pilots and towage, stevedores, and freight forwarders. The main issues for the economic development of the ports are presented in this course, as for example port operations, port performance,  port competition, congestions, cost of port product, pricing, of port product etc.  The above topics are covered with the following order:

1. Introduction to port economics, introduction and definitions in micro economics.
2. The role of ports and port operations.
3. Port terminals and their
4. Port industry, port product and port services.
5. Port users and service providers.
6. Demand and supply of the port product.
7. Carriers, shippers, passengers and other stakeholders.
8. Port operator, operating options, production and cost port product.
9. Port operator, operating objectives, prices and investment.
10. Port in operation and congestions.
11. Port performance and port competition, port dockworkers.
12. Port pollution, port safety and security and their cost.