The Performance of Seaport Clusters - RePub - Erasmus Universiteit ...

8 CLUSTERING IN SEAPORTS
In this chapter the cluster concept is applied to seaports. The method discussed in chapter
two to ‘construct’ a port cluster is used. First, the relevant literature on ports is discussed.
Second, the core specialization of a port cluster is identified and third the economic activities
included in the port cluster are identified. Fourth, associations and public (-private)
organizations included in port clusters are identified. Fifth, the cluster population of the three
cases, and sixth, the relevant port region of the three cases is discussed.
8.1 Literature on port clusters
Various research topics in port economics can be identified. Three of these topics are
related to this study. A major topic is the competitiveness of ports as parts of (intermodal)
transport chains. In these studies the analysis of port competition is limited to competition for
cargo 58 . Important contributions include Hayuth (1981), Kreukels and Wever (1997), and
Baird (1996). These scholars emphasize the importance of the geographical location of a
port. Others in the same research tradition, such as Notteboom (1997), and Winkelmans
and Notteboom (2001) argue that geographical conditions do not completely explain port
performance and add factors such as hinterland connections, terminal productivity and a
port’s reputation.
A second topic is the economic impact of ports (see for instance Waters, 1977 and Musso et
al 2001). These studies focus on economic effects, which arise to a large extent outside the
cluster, both regionally and functionally. Furthermore, most economic impact studies
concentrate on the impact of one specific infrastructure project.
A third relevant topic is the spatial dynamics of port-related economic activities. Especially
the work of Slack (Slack, 1988, 1989, and 1999) has improved the understanding of spatial
58 When regarding the port as a cluster, ports not only compete for cargo with other ports, but also
with other regions to attract investments, for instance in manufacturing, warehousing, and trade.
The ‘classical’ notion of port competition is thus of limited use.