Political issues in inland waterways port development: prospects for regionalization

In the vast scientific literature on maritime transport, one theme appears neglected: the juridico-political framework in port development. We first examine how the jurisdictional control influences the allocation of resources and financial responsibilities. Second, we carefully evaluate conventional theoretical explanations of the process of port development as it generates important consequences on port policy formulation. We suggest that the concept of the port transition needs to be positioned within a new paradigm of the regional economy. Third, by focusing on three case studies namely France, China and Canada, we provide an understanding of institutional structure and how they reflect tendencies in port development. We then investigate regional flows, particularly the role of offshore, inshore and coastal traffic. Fourth, we present policy options for regionalization of ports. Fifth, we explore the regional elements of the port transition and provide an appreciation of the new role of the State in port development policies. The paper concludes on the adoption of new paradigm in port development strategies.