Assessment of the Potential of the Main Seaports of the Baltic Sea Region

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the potential of the major seaports of the Baltic Sea Region (BSR). Design/Methodology/Approach: This analysis covered the seaports included in the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) in the European Union (EU) and the major Baltic ports of the Russian Federation. The research was based on an analysis of the data found. An assessment of the surveyed seaports was made on the basis of the author's index comprising four sub-indicators. The following were taken into account: access to ports from the sea and land, functioning of intermodal terminals, connection from ports to industry, size of the port centre. Findings: A total of 89 ports from nine countries were surveyed, of which 17 received a good rating on a three-point scale. The ports of Gdansk, Riga and Gothenburg were rated highest with the maximum number of points. The results of the assessment were partly in line with the previous classification of the ports and the current handling volumes. Differences were due to the fact that other factors, especially geopolitical factors, additionally influenced the cargo volume of individual ports. Practical Implications: On the basis of this analysis, it is possible to identify seaports in the Baltic Sea region that have the potential for further development and those where further development of the port requires investments primarily related to improving access to the port. Originality/Value: This article presents the results of my own research into various aspects of seaports in the Baltic Sea region. Part of this analysis is an update of previous research, which has made it possible to identify changes in the environment of some of the ports studied.