ABSTRACT
Ports are part of a complex urban setting as they provide important economic opportunities, such as access to global supply chains. Divergence can be observed between a port and its city, leading to conflicts over its role and function. Intra-regional trade and reliance on hub cities continue to play a strong role in facilitating global trade flows. The geography of cities underlines a strong propensity to locate along the coastline, a pattern associated with several factors. The rise of megacities has brought competition among cities to act as international transportation, logistics, and services hubs covering the main modes of long-distance transportation, maritime shipping, air passenger services, and air freight services. Many cities are undergoing major redevelopment of older derelict waterfront areas, intending to turn them into commercial, cultural, tourist, or upmarket residential areas. Most waterfront redevelopment is challenged by city-port relationships that are stimulated by growth.
