PORT COMPETITIVENESS AND ECOLOGICAL IMPACT OF LOGISTICS ACTIVITIES: A CASE STUDY OF THE PORT OF PLOČE

Abstract

From the historical perspective the port competitiveness was often strongly determined by the geographical position of the port itself as well as the natural conditions of its surrounding. It is logical if we take into consideration that the port location is static while the port needs to be a connector of the inland and maritime transport routes, and it needs to have favourable maritime conditions in order to effectively serve ships and cargo. From such a perspective, the ecological specificities and biodiversity of the surrounding area can be perceived as a negative development factor that can significantly limit and/or reduce potential for competitiveness development. From the methodology point of view this paper develops a framework that examines ecological impact of logistics activities and port development activities in general in order to evaluate possible competitiveness boost strategies in practical situations when there is ecologically sensitive and environmentally fragile area around the port. Authors are trying to shed some light onto modern approach toward port competitiveness and logistics operations that aims to harmonise and reconcile the requirements of ecological protection with modern port development directions towards competitiveness boost. Such development direction can be founded on the idea that modern technological and social and economic development enables port authorities as well as ports' top management to take into account much wider ecological perspective in order to improve logistics services, attract more cargo as well as future investors in the port infra and superstructure.

Key words: port competitiveness, ecological impact, logistic activities, development directions