Tratamiento de información con topografía UAV´s

Prior to containerisation, a seaport system is focused on competition between different ports and terminal operators as well as interaction between hinterlands and forelands

(Weigend 1956; Thomas 1957; Ng and

Tongzon, 2010). As discussed in the previous section, the technological improvements in multimodal transportation and transportation infrastructure change the borders of the connectivity between seaports and its hinterland network through inland facilities (Notteboom and Rodrigue 2005). The function of container seaports as intermodal hubs enables containers to be shipped long distances across the continent to fulfil market demand (Song 2003). Confronted with these changes, container seaports adjust their infrastructure for hinterland connection, create efficient cargo information systems, and value add services as these are essential inputs required for becoming familiar with the changes in the container seaport system (Notteboom & Rodrigue 2005). In this context, a container seaport system is thus extended to seaport hinterlands through the development of inland transportation facilities connecting the relevant stakeholders in the seaport community (Li et al. 2012).

Container seaports, inland freight facilities, multimodal transportation, and freight corridors are the main components in the container seaport system (Rodrigue 2004; Bichou and Gray 2004; Notteboom and Rodrigue 2005; Jugovic et al. 2011). It also involves many players such as port authorities, container shipping lines, freight forwarders, seaport and inland terminal operators, and intermodal transport operators. Container shipping lines offer shippers door-to-door services and integrated logistic services by coordinating with feeder operators, road carriers, rail operators, logistic service providers and terminal operators (Lun 2009).

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Figure 2.3 shows the components and players consisting in a container seaport system. These are the key determinates for seaport regionalisation which emphasise the integration of seaports and their hinterland (Notteboom & Rodrigue 2005). In container seaport systems, logistic systems facilitate the flow of goods by seeking linkages that will enable the product to flow faster at the lowest cost (Christopher 2005). For freight facilitation, the support from a freight corridor and intermodal terminals is required for effective freight distribution (Rodrigue 2004).

Figure 2.3: Components and players in a container seaport system Source: Adapted from Notteboom and Rodrigue (2005)

There are impacts of dry ports on seaports. Firstly, the increase in volume in container seaports and the requirement for larger investments in terminal facilities makes seaports need the network with other operators to improve their competitiveness by fulfilling the demand put on them by various stakeholders. This demand can be fulfilled by increasing

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the scope of services offered and by providing similar services in adjacent locations (Lun & Cariou 2009). Providing similar services in adjacent locations directly defines the functionality of dry ports (Roso 2008). Dry ports as inland freight facilities or intermodal terminals and a part of a container seaport's system have the potential to support seaport operations and achieve competitiveness due to the changes in their environment.

The internationalisation of container trade, modernising the container terminal operators with resourceful facilities, possessing experience in managing container terminals and having expertise in various positions are important factors in developing a seaport business (Lun & Cariou 2009). Therefore, container seaport systems transform their static supply chain into an adaptive business network to increase their competitiveness and robustness to facilitate the supply chain in the global transport system (Vervest & Li 2009). The latest vessel of the Maersk Line, Triple E, has the capacity to accommodate almost 18,000 TEUs and progress in seaports and hinterland operations must become compatible. Conversely, support from dry ports can assist seaports in fully realising the economies of scale (McCalla 2007; Taneja et al. 2013).

Competition prompts seaports to change their strategies and create competition between transport chains (Horst & de Langen 2008). Intra-regional seaport competition leads seaports to seek out business opportunities in competitor seaport hinterlands and thus deep hinterland connections become vital in this competitive environment (Rodrigue et al. 2010). Increase in seaport competition has placed seaports at a risk when shipping companies move to other seaports. Hence, Roso and Lumsden (2010) argue that seaports have to become competitive in all areas including their hinterland operations by extending their gates through dry ports where flows are effectively manageable, as shown in Figure 2.4. Of notice is the modal shift or transportation interface in dry ports which contribute to

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a cooperative freight distribution network and which has a significant effect on the environment, social, economic benefits, reduction of congestion and improve the competitiveness in seaports without physical expansion to the site (Wisetjindawat et al. 2007: Roso 2007).

Figure 2.4: Dry ports as an extended gate in the container seaport system Source: Adapted from Roso and Lumsden (2010)

2.3 Development of dry ports

The development of a regional transport network depends on all forms of transport linkages, such as railway, roads and waterways, connecting with transport nodes such as seaports and dry ports. The dry port network greatly facilitates trade and allows containers to be distributed between transport modes and ensures the optimal usage of networks (Woxenius et al. 2004). The growth of transport networks along with dry ports contributes to the reduction in transportation cost as well as transit time, which attract more investment to logistics, manufacturing and service industries in the surrounding areas of dry ports (UNESCAP 2010). As a result, it may attract more investments or incentives for developing transport infrastructure including dry ports.

Given the growing significance of dry ports in the container transport network, the following sections will discuss dry port development, including its definition, types, functions and roles.

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