Big is not always beautiful: Tell us about it!

Smaller or secondary ports, whatever you prefer to call them, also make up a very interesting sector of the port world. There is nothing like a niche business and we would like to hear more about yours, if you have a story to tell.

What sort of story?

Essentially any subject that will prove of interest to your peers.

How as a small port you identified and captured a new stream of business and what were the drivers behind this? What advantages did you capitalise on that your larger competitors may not have been able to offer? What challenges do you face? Does a low cargo throughput present problems in generating sufficient funds for asset replacement – pilot boats, tugs, terminal hardware etc? Would you say that you are disadvantaged in terms of attracting and retaining quality staff or do you consider your organisation is in the opposite position? Is it a struggle to implement tariff increases due to a limited client base? What progress have you made on the road to decarbonisation – is this challenging? Do you have investment opportunities, what are they?

During Covid, in Europe and elsewhere, we saw a lot of secondary ports provide solutions to congestion problems in particular. This was a coming of age that provided an opportunity for a number of smaller ports to show what they can do and frequently with good results ensuing. So, what happens now?

Do things go back the way they were or can certain business streams be retained?

We ask these questions against a background of recognising the inherent assets of many smaller ports and facilities – less congestion, the ability to be more cost effective, offer a personalised service, move freight quickly and present great flexibility.

In this column and elsewhere in PS we would like to hear more about the world of smaller or secondary ports – don’t hesitate to get in touch. mike@mikemundyassociates.co.uk