Modules
Markets and risks
In this introductory session, you will get a broad overview of port markets, their hinterlands, the influence of geopolitics, the implications in terms of risks, and resilience potential.
→ Markets, pricing, and marketing
→ Hinterland strategies
→ Geopolitical agenda
→ Risk and resilience
Governance and networks
Next, you will gain insights into the way ports can be governed and build their networks. Martin Humphreys from the World Bank will first introduce port reform by means of a toolkit, especially developed for this purpose. Port of Antwerp-Bruges and California will then present the way they govern their ports and the transitions they went through.
→ Roles and strategies of port authorities
→ Port networks
→ Port reform
→ Case studies: Antwerp and Australia
Finance
We zoom in on the various aspects related to port investments. This module starts with pricing, which generates revenue. Next, we look into terminal investments from a banker’s perspective. We then tackle the public side, with the welfare-economic evaluation of port investment projects. Finally, concrete investments will be illustrated from the developer’s point of view.
→ Pricing
→ Investment
→ Funding
→ Project cases
Energy
Energy transition is a game changer for most ports around the world. You will be given a conceptual introduction, combined with a set of real-life cases that are currently implemented within the European PIONEERS project.
→ Energy transition
→ The PIONEERS project
Innovation
Digitalization, automation, and smart ports drive innovation in the port and maritime sector. We will initiate the discussion by examining digitalization from a policy perspective, followed by presenting real-life cases and showcasing NxtPort’s Antwerp case as an illustration. An automation developer will then delve into automation and use concrete case experiences to demonstrate its impact.
→ Digitalization
→ Automation
→ Smart ports ecosystem
Policy and regulation
We start with discussing the global track record and context of port policymaking and regulation. Next, we’ll take you to the heart of European port policymaking in Brussels, where you’ll visit the European Seaport Organisation and the European Parliament.
→ Forms of port policy and regulation
→ Excursion to Brussels: ESPO + European Parliament
Sustainability
We start with a broad conceptual introduction to sustainable port development, rooted in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their application to ports via the World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP). You will then have the opportunity to engage with these concepts directly through the interactive business game ‘Port Endeavor’. Specific sessions will focus on sustainable cruise tourism and the integration of ports into society. The practical application of the latter will come to life as you join us for a guided walk through the docklands of Antwerp.
→ Sustainable port development
→ Cruise ports
→ Societal integration of ports – port-city walk at ‘Het Eilandje’
Port planning
After a conceptual overview of strategic port planning, we zoom in on traffic forecasting as it applies to the Antwerp case. Port of Antwerp-Bruges will also demonstrate their approach to business continuity planning. To conclude, we’ll delve into the planning process for hinterland connectivity and networks.
→ Strategic planning for ports
→ Forecasting
→ Business continuity planning
→ Hinterland connections
Clusters
You will gain insight into port development trends and witness how ports evolve into thriving industrial clusters, as exemplified by the case of the Port of Rotterdam.
→ Port setting trends
→ Industrial clusters
Labor
Dock labor can be organized in various ways. We will illustrate how port terminal HR operates with a real-life case study, namely, the PSA University by PSA.
→ Dock labor organization
→ Port terminal HR
