Title: From multi-porting to a hub port configuration: the South African container port system in transition

Authors: Theo Notteboom

Addresses: Institute of Transport and Maritime Management Antwerp (ITMMA), University of Antwerp, Keizerstraat 64, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium

Abstract: This paper addresses the tension that exists between multi-porting and a hub configuration in the South African container port system. We apply a generalised cost model to two alternative network configurations: the actual situation of multi-porting and an alternative hub port configuration. The results demonstrate that South African import and export flows are likely to face small cost increases when the port system moves to a hub port configuration. However, from a ship operator|s perspective, the hub configuration is more attractive given considerable cost reductions in marine charges, port dues and ship costs. The paper concludes by underlining Transnet|s pivotal role in the attractiveness of the hub option and the need for a wider Sub-Saharan strategy in view of making the hub port concept work.

Keywords: South African port system; gateway ports; hub ports; liner services; cost modelling; South Africa; container ports; multi-porting.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2010.030868

International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics, 2010 Vol.2 No.2, pp.224 - 245

Published online: 10 Jan 2010 *

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