IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/pal/joibpo/v6y2023i1d10.1057_s42214-022-00142-z.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Maritime container terminal infrastructure, network corporatization, and global terminal operators: Implications for international business policy

Author

Listed:
  • Theo Notteboom

    (Maritime Institute, Ghent University
    Antwerp Maritime Academy
    University of Antwerp)

  • Jean-Paul Rodrigue

    (Hofstra University
    Texas A&M University-Galveston)

Abstract

Maritime shipping lines and global terminal operators have benefited from economies of scale to expand geographically and functionally their infrastructure, leading to a corporatized network. Terminal operators are key asset managers seeking value creation by expanding the global maritime container terminal infrastructure network. While corporatization has systematically ensured that terminal capacity was created to accommodate the rise in global trade volumes, the network hit its boundaries when confronted with COVID-19 induced global supply chain disruptions. This paper provides a better understanding of the importance of infrastructure and observed corporatization as a framework for explaining economic processes, notably when transport infrastructures are extensive and capital-intensive. The structure of the global container shipping network is analyzed to unveil the realities of liner service networks operated by shipping lines, and the market structure and consolidation in container shipping and terminal operations. The discussion on the corporatization of the global maritime infrastructure network for container handling is embedded in international business literature. This study also extracts the main implications of the current structure and governance of the global maritime infrastructure network for international business policy, with a particular focus on the current market structure and network resilience.

Suggested Citation

  • Theo Notteboom & Jean-Paul Rodrigue, 2023. "Maritime container terminal infrastructure, network corporatization, and global terminal operators: Implications for international business policy," Journal of International Business Policy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 6(1), pages 67-83, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:pal:joibpo:v:6:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1057_s42214-022-00142-z
    DOI: 10.1057/s42214-022-00142-z
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1057/s42214-022-00142-z
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.

    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1057/s42214-022-00142-z?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Daniele Crotti & Claudio Ferrari & Alessio Tei, 2020. "Merger waves and alliance stability in container shipping," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 22(3), pages 446-472, September.
    2. Athanasios A Pallis & Theo E Notteboom & Peter W De Langen, 2008. "Concession Agreements and Market Entry in the Container Terminal Industry," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 10(3), pages 209-228, September.
    3. Bernhofen, Daniel M. & El-Sahli, Zouheir & Kneller, Richard, 2016. "Estimating the effects of the container revolution on world trade," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 36-50.
    4. Brooks, Mary R., 2006. "Chapter 11 Port Devolution and Governance in Canada," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 17(1), pages 237-257, January.
    5. Buckley, Peter J. & Craig, Thomas D. & Mudambi, Ram, 2019. "Time to learn? Assignment duration in global value chain organization," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 508-518.
    6. Newbery, David M., 1997. "Privatisation and liberalisation of network utilities," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 41(3-5), pages 357-383, April.
    7. Sarianna M Lundan, 2018. "From the editor: Engaging international business scholars with public policy issues," Journal of International Business Policy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 1(1), pages 1-11, June.
    8. Grushevska, Kateryna & Notteboom, Theo & Shkliar, Andrii, 2016. "Institutional rail reform: The case of Ukrainian Railways," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 46(C), pages 7-19.
    9. Theo Notteboom & Thanos Pallis & Jean-Paul Rodrigue, 2021. "Disruptions and resilience in global container shipping and ports: the COVID-19 pandemic versus the 2008–2009 financial crisis," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 23(2), pages 179-210, June.
    10. Pagliari, Romano & Graham, Anne, 2019. "An exploratory analysis of the effects of ownership change on airport competition," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 76-85.
    11. Paul Kent & Hercules Haralambides, 2022. "A perfect storm or an imperfect supply chain? The U.S. supply chain crisis," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 24(1), pages 1-8, March.
    12. Theo E. Notteboom & Athanasios A. Pallis & Sheila Farrell, 2012. "Terminal concessions in seaports revisited," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 39(1), pages 1-5, January.
    13. Parola, Francesco & Notteboom, Theo & Satta, Giovanni & Rodrigue, Jean-Paul, 2013. "Analysis of factors underlying foreign entry strategies of terminal operators in container ports," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 33(C), pages 72-84.
    14. Yang, Dong & Li, Lu & Notteboom, Theo, 2022. "Chinese investment in overseas container terminals: The role of investor attributes in achieving a higher port competitiveness," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 112-122.
    15. Daniel Olivier & Francesco Parola & Brian Slack & James J Wang, 2007. "The Time Scale of Internationalisation: The Case of the Container Port Industry," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 9(1), pages 1-34, March.
    16. Theys, Christophe & Notteboom, Theo E. & Pallis, Athanasios A. & De Langen, Peter W., 2010. "The economics behind the awarding of terminals in seaports: Towards a research agenda," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 27(1), pages 37-50.
    17. Notteboom, Theo E. & Parola, Francesco & Satta, Giovanni, 2019. "The relationship between transhipment incidence and throughput volatility in North European and Mediterranean container ports," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 371-381.
    18. Gillen, David, 2011. "The evolution of airport ownership and governance," Journal of Air Transport Management, Elsevier, vol. 17(1), pages 3-13.
    19. Paul Kent & Hercules Haralambides, 2022. "A perfect storm or an imperfect supply chain? The U.S. supply chain crisis," Post-Print hal-04046235, HAL.
    20. Khalid Bichou & Michael G H Bell, 2007. "Internationalisation and Consolidation of the Container Port Industry: Assessment of Channel Structure and Relationships," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 9(1), pages 35-51, March.
    21. Marc Levinson, 2016. "The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger," Economics Books, Princeton University Press, edition 2, number 10724.
    22. Ram Mudambi, 2008. "Location, control and innovation in knowledge-intensive industries," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 8(5), pages 699-725, September.
    23. Jeremy Clegg, 2019. "From the editor: International business policy: What it is, and what it is not," Journal of International Business Policy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 2(2), pages 111-118, June.
    24. Esposito, Giovanni & Cicatiello, Lorenzo & Ercolano, Salvatore, 2020. "Reforming railways in the EU: An empirical assessment of liberalisation policies in the European rail freight market," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 606-613.
    25. Rodrigue, Jean-Paul & Notteboom, Theo, 2010. "Foreland-based regionalization: Integrating intermediate hubs with port hinterlands," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 27(1), pages 19-29.
    26. Claudio Ferrari & Manuela Basta, 2009. "Port concession fees based on the price-cap regulation: A DEA approach," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 11(1), pages 121-135, March.
    27. Paul Kent & Hercules Haralambides, 2022. "A perfect storm or an imperfect supply chain? The U.S. supply chain crisis," Université Paris1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (Post-Print and Working Papers) hal-04046235, HAL.
    28. Notteboom, Theo E. & Parola, Francesco & Satta, Giovanni & Pallis, Athanasios A., 2017. "The relationship between port choice and terminal involvement of alliance members in container shipping," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 158-173.
    29. Brian Slack & Claude Comtois & Robert McCalla, 2002. "Strategic alliances in the container shipping industry: a global perspective," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(1), pages 65-76, January.
    30. Francesco Parola & Enrico Musso, 2007. "Market structures and competitive strategies: the carrier--stevedore arm-wrestling in northern European ports," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(3), pages 259-278, June.
    31. Theo E. Notteboom, 2002. "Consolidation and contestability in the European container handling industry," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 29(3), pages 257-269.
    32. Geraldo Araujo De Souza Junior & Anthony K C Beresford & Stephen J Pettit, 2003. "Liner Shipping Companies and Terminal Operators: Internationalisation or Globalisation?," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 5(4), pages 393-412, December.
    33. Theo Notteboom & Jean-Paul Rodrigue, 2012. "The corporate geography of global container terminal operators," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 39(3), pages 249-279, May.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Geraldine Knatz & Theo Notteboom & Athanasios A. Pallis, 2022. "Container terminal automation: revealing distinctive terminal characteristics and operating parameters," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 24(3), pages 537-565, September.
    2. Notteboom, Theo E. & Parola, Francesco & Satta, Giovanni & Pallis, Athanasios A., 2017. "The relationship between port choice and terminal involvement of alliance members in container shipping," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 158-173.
    3. Theo Notteboom & Jean-Paul Rodrigue, 2012. "The corporate geography of global container terminal operators," Maritime Policy & Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 39(3), pages 249-279, May.
    4. Athanasios A. Pallis & Francesco Parola & Giovanni Satta & Theo E. Notteboom, 2018. "Private entry in cruise terminal operations in the Mediterranean Sea," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 20(1), pages 1-28, March.
    5. Yoshihisa Sugimura & Kazuhiko Ishiguro & Azuma Kato, 2022. "Possibility of Sustainable Entry into Overseas Port Operation Markets by Japanese Companies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-16, September.
    6. Theo Notteboom & Thanos Pallis & Jean-Paul Rodrigue, 2021. "Disruptions and resilience in global container shipping and ports: the COVID-19 pandemic versus the 2008–2009 financial crisis," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 23(2), pages 179-210, June.
    7. Liehui Wang & Yuanbo Zheng & César Ducruet & Fan Zhang, 2019. "Investment Strategy of Chinese Terminal Operators along the “21st-Century Maritime Silk Road”," Post-Print halshs-02092097, HAL.
    8. Parola, Francesco & Notteboom, Theo & Satta, Giovanni & Rodrigue, Jean-Paul, 2013. "Analysis of factors underlying foreign entry strategies of terminal operators in container ports," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 33(C), pages 72-84.
    9. Liehui Wang & Yuanbo Zheng & Cesar Ducruet & Fan Zhang, 2019. "Investment Strategy of Chinese Terminal Operators along the “21st-Century Maritime Silk Road”," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-21, April.
    10. Ng, Adolf K.Y. & Ducruet, César & Jacobs, Wouter & Monios, Jason & Notteboom, Theo & Rodrigue, Jean-Paul & Slack, Brian & Tam, Ka-chai & Wilmsmeier, Gordon, 2014. "Port geography at the crossroads with human geography: between flows and spaces," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 84-96.
    11. Satta, Giovanni & Notteboom, Theo & Parola, Francesco & Persico, Luca, 2017. "Determinants of the long-term performance of initial public offerings (IPOs) in the port industry," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 135-153.
    12. González Laxe, Fernando, 2018. "El transporte marítimo y los desarrollos portuarios. El nuevo rol de las alianzas marítimas en el tablero internacional/The Maritime Transport and the Port Development. The New Role of the Maritime Al," Estudios de Economia Aplicada, Estudios de Economia Aplicada, vol. 36, pages 647-668, Septiembr.
    13. Pallis, Athanasios A. & de Langen, Peter W., 2010. "Seaports and the structural implications of the economic crisis," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 27(1), pages 10-18.
    14. Zhu, Shengda & Fu, Xiaowen & Bell, Michael G.H., 2021. "Container shipping line port choice patterns in East Asia the effects of port affiliation and spatial dependence," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    15. Su-Han Woo & Stephen Pettit & Anthony Beresford & Dong-Wook Kwak, 2012. "Seaport Research: A Decadal Analysis of Trends and Themes Since the 1980s," Transport Reviews, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 32(3), pages 351-377, January.
    16. Castelein, R.B. & Geerlings, H. & van Duin, J.H.R., 2019. "Divergent effects of container port choice incentives on users' behavior," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 84(C), pages 82-93.
    17. Zhang, Jihua, 2016. "Quasi-landlord port financing in China: Features, practice and a contract theory analysis," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 73-88.
    18. Panayides, Photis M. & Parola, Francesco & Lam, Jasmine Siu Lee, 2015. "The effect of institutional factors on public–private partnership success in ports," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 110-127.
    19. Kaselimi, Evangelia N. & Notteboom, Theo E. & Pallis, Athanasios A. & Farrell, Sheila, 2011. "Minimum Efficient Scale (MES) and preferred scale of container terminals," Research in Transportation Economics, Elsevier, vol. 32(1), pages 71-80.
    20. Notteboom, Theo E. & Parola, Francesco & Satta, Giovanni, 2019. "The relationship between transhipment incidence and throughput volatility in North European and Mediterranean container ports," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 371-381.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:pal:joibpo:v:6:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1057_s42214-022-00142-z. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.palgrave.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.