Author(s)

R Midoro & F Parola

Abstract

The aim of the present paper is to show the first results of our research about the strategic behaviour of the global stevedoring companies over the last few years. Our investigation will particularly focused on the strategic decisions of the top management of the main container terminal operators such as Hutchison Port Holdings, PSA Corporation, AP Moeller Terminals and P&O Ports. We will try to evaluate the impact of the strategies of the global terminal operators in the different markets and geographical areas, highlighting on the one hand the burden of investment in assets, focused on the increase in productivity and in the terminal capacity, and on the other hand the influence on the traffic flows, especially referred to the transhipment terminals. As regards the main container terminals we will also underline weak and strength points related to the operating activities and to the management problems. Moreover a particular attention will be dedicated to the study of the vertical integration of some global carriers along the transport chain. 1 The strategic alliances During the last few years, thanks to the advent of the globalisation, the market of the sea transport has shown radical changes largely due, on the one hand, to the formation of the strategic alliances among the top carriers and on the other hand to the achievement of growing economies of scale, referred both to organisational aspects (mergers and acquisitions) and to the \“vessel” as technical

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