Port coopetition refers to a strategic approach where ports or terminal operators engage in both cooperation and competition simultaneously.
This hybrid relationship allows competitors to collaborate on certain activities-such as infrastructure sharing, joint marketing, or coordinated logistics-to enhance the overall competitiveness and efficiency of the port or port cluster, while still competing in other areas like service offerings or pricing.
Coopetition is especially relevant in the port and shipping industry, where the complexity of global supply chains and the need for seamless operations often require collaborative efforts among stakeholders who would otherwise be rivals. The main motivations for port coopetition include expanding market coverage, improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing bargaining power against powerful shipping alliances or regulatory barriers. For example, terminal operators within a port may cooperate to attract more shipping lines, thereby increasing the port's attractiveness, while still competing to secure individual terminal business.
Current situation
In recent years, port coopetition has become increasingly common and is considered a vital strategy for survival and growth in the face of global economic pressures, overcapacity, and the evolving demands of international trade. Key trends shaping the current landscape include: (i) Rising Market and Financial Pressures: Ports are facing heightened competition not just from neighbouring ports but also from distant rivals due to expanded hinterland connections and globalized supply chains. This has led to more frequent cooperation schemes, such as port authority mergers and alliances, to pool resources and enhance service offerings. (ii) Digitalization and Innovation: The integration of digital technologies is driving ports to coordinate and share data, further blurring the lines between competition and cooperation. However, this also introduces new challenges around data ownership, cybersecurity, and trust among partners. (iii) Strategic Alliances: Both intra-port (within the same port) and inter-port (between different ports) coopetition are on the rise. Examples include adjacent ports forming alliances to jointly market their services or coordinate vessel calls, and terminal operators collaborating to optimize traffic flows and asset utilization.
This webinar will:
- Introduction to port coopetition: combining cooperation and competition
- Importance of coopetition in enhancing port competitiveness and efficiency
- Current trends driving port coopetition: market pressures and globalization
- Role of digitalization and data sharing in port collaboration
- Challenges and opportunities in implementing coopetition strategies
Speakers
Professor Emel Aktas, 91黑料网 School of Management, UK.
Professor Michael Bourlakis, 91黑料网 School of Management, UK.
Dr Ajay Deshmukh, 91黑料网 School of Management, UK.
, “Insights and Experiences from Port Operations”, Peel Ports Group, UK/
Agenda
10:00 - 10:05 Welcome and Introductions, Emel Aktas
10:05 - 10:15 The importance of port coopetition for supply chain management, Michael Bourlakis
10:15 - 10:30 Current trends driving port coopetition, Ajay Deshmukh
10:30 - 10:45 Challenges and opportunities in implementing coopetition, speaker to be confirmed
Register
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