ABSTRACT
Port planning and development involve the strategic port planning process, data collection and forecasting, stakeholder relations management in ports, and the evaluation of port development plans and projects. Three different types of port planning by port authorities can be distinguished: short-term planning, medium-term planning, and long-term planning. One of the most important differences between strategic port planning and other types of port planning is its emphasis on evaluating the changes taking place in the environment and assessing the risks and uncertainties associated with these changes. A typical strategic port planning process consists of five different building blocks or phases in the development. The strategic planning process demands comprehensive data about internal resources and capabilities and the external competitive environment of the port. High-quality port traffic forecasts are needed to help optimize and rationalize investment decisions regarding their timing and the existing and expected balance between port demand and capacity.
