As other have pointed out, ports need to be prepared to handle the carrier industry special characteristics, in terms of "frequency, punctuality, reliability and geographical coverage" (Slack, 1996).

Further more, ports need to be able to keep down the landslide costs, in close connection with some of the things I have previously mentioned when referring to dry bulk cargo and transportation. The competition, brought about by the growing demand and growing numbers of competitors, is more and more significant and ports need to be able to offer the best services at the lowest prices. This means operability, flexibility and productivity at low landslide costs.

The container shipping industry, due to the cost challenge and necessity that every carrier is facing, is currently facing a concentration phase, where many of the international carrier choose vertical integration solutions in order to cut down on costs and gain a cost advantage. This means...
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