At the service of cities, communities and society in general, ports add an important value to society. With a strategic location, infrastructures and specialized equipment, they act as multimodal distribution centers, interacting with many modes of transport, whether by sea, rail, road or air. Due to the important support they provide to the most diverse activities and industries, ports have become relevant clusters in the development of the national economy and the sea, with special emphasis on exports.
Strategic Locations
The dynamic generated around port infrastructure has led many of the companies related to the sector – logistics operators, distribution centres and freight forwarders – to settle in the area surrounding the ports, as a way to provide a faster service, with lower cost and added value. This has led to the promotion of local employment and the consolidation of logistics chains.
Containerised Cargo
Standardised containers have become the main growth driver of international trade as they ensure goods conformity, intermodal flexibility, streamlined transport route planning and port operations and, consequently, cost reduction and increased productivity.
Congestion and Delays
Regardless of external phenomena such as the Covid-19 pandemics, Suez Canal blockage, or geopolitical conflicts, there are certain precautions that must be taken in order to avoid situations of congestion and delays, including investments to modernize, adapt or replace vacant structures and existing equipment in ports. The reuse of assets can enhance the conquest of market share.
Contribution to Society
The potential of new technologies, the emergence of new global maritime routes, the development of the main maritime transport channels and the verticalization of the great maritime alliances have enhanced the redefinition of the architecture of international trade and the optimization of port activities. These are some of the reasons why ports play currently a multidisciplinary role in the economy, due to their ability to support industries, increase jobs, economic diversity and, consequently, national competitiveness.
In a world where competitiveness, efficiency and connectivity prevail, at Olicargo we use our know-how and experience in Maritime Transport to design the most viable solutions for your business. Because your success is also our success! Contact us now to find out more about our ocean freight services.
Sources:
Associação Portuguesa dos Recursos Hídricos. (2023). O papel dos portos portugueses na economia nacional e a respetiva estratégia para o futuro próximo (até 2030). Consultado a 20 de abril de 2023, em: https://www.aprh.pt/pt/publicacoes/artigos/o-papel-dos-portos-portugueses-na-economia-nacional-e-a-respetiva-estrategia-para-o-futuro-proximo-ate-2030/
Transportes e Negócios. (2023). Terminais de contentores: a sua importância, tendências atuais e necessidades futuras. Consultado a 20 de abril de 2023, em: https://www.transportesenegocios.pt/terminais-de-contentores-a-sua-importancia-tendencias-atuais-e-necessidades-futuras/
