Conceptualized Discussion on Port Supply Chains: Structure, Characteristics and Evolution Process

Abstract

Although the term of Port Supply Chain has been mentioned in some studies, the concept of the term is still not clear enough and needs to be discussed further. This paper aims to make a contribution in this respect by providing a conceptualized model of port supply chains based on the analysis of the relationship between supply chains and logistics chains. Characteristics of port supply chains are analyzed and compared with that of manufacturing supply chains. The causes for the formation of port supply chains are probed into and the evolution process of port supply chains are provided. Finally, some conclusions are given and implications for future research are pointed out. Keywords-port supply chain; supply chain; logistics chain; logistics service provider; evolution