Northern European port administration and organization

Abstract

Northern European ports are large in number but concentrated in a small geographic area. These ports vary greatly in size, organization and administration. Northern European ports are, therefore, ideal for studying relationships between success and success factors (ownership, administration, port functions, finance, etc.).

This paper discusses some of the important differences among Northern European ports and suggests relationships that may exist between the various success factors and success. Additional data and statistical analysis are required to confirm these preliminary observations. Nevertheless, these observations can be helpful in guiding future port studies.

Goss (1976) states that the purpose of ports is to be efficient in the economic sense. It is difficult to argue against this view. However, to use efficiency as a measure of success tends to reduce the importance of industrial development activities. It implies that the port's primary function is to move goods. Industrial development is, in fact, a very important function of Northern European ports. Therefore, a more comprehensive success measure would include enhancement of regional employment, capital creation, and the general level of regional economic activity.