Introduction

Global trends in policy and technology related fields are rapidly reshaping the port industry worldwide. Port cities are confronted with changing economic and logistics environments. The global market place, with powerful and relatively footloose players, extensive business networks and complex logistics networks, has a dramatic impact on port-cities. Port-cities have had to assimilate and accommodate advances in logistics to sustain their competitive status as key interfaces in the building of smooth global trade flows. The logistics environment creates a high degree of uncertainty and leaves port managers and city officials with the question how to respond effectively to market dynamics.