ABSTRACT
'Getting port governance right' is complicated, as there is no ' size fits all' governance model that is the most suitable in all contexts. In line with cluster perspective, port governance is about the governance of the cluster. While the role of the public sector is center stage in port governance, an additional and important issue is the co-operation amongst companies in the port cluster. Port development is similar to the development of a shopping mall, a chemical complex, and an airport complex – all commercial activities carried out by companies. The fact that port development is a commercial activity implies that the best organizational structure is a corporation. Port competition is healthy when this competition takes place on a level playing field. This is the case when firms/ports compete on an equal basis, without distortions caused by differences in government funding or regulations.
