Ports for Europe

As nodes within complex networks European seaports both shape and are shaped by evolving patterns of trade and communication. The book aims to provide an overall view of the influence of, amongst others, economic, regulatory, and technological factors on the present and future development of ports in a historical context. It achieves this by presenting the varied yet often converging points of view of academics from various backgrounds, maritime experts, and decision-makers from the ports industry.
Modern trends, such as containerization, intermodalism, changing product markets and business configurations, which are analyzed in depth, can perhaps be better understood alongside the study of comparable historical developments. Furthermore, the common heritage of Europe's city-ports is proposed as a building block not only for the ports' future but also for further regional integration. The book covers the main issues underlying the policy debate concerning the role of local, regional, national and supranational government in the future of European seaports.