Competition Between New Port Governance Models on the Iberian Peninsula

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyze the interaction between port devolution processes in Portugal and Spain in their common geographical environment, the Iberian Peninsula. Firstly a review is done of the different port devolution processes in the world which specifically analyses the transition of numerous public and centralized ports to the landlord model. Among the conclusions that we can highlight with respect to the Iberian port systems are the need for a reflection process before any change is made to the port governance model, and greater cooperation between the two countries to avoid any possible future port tariff price wars. The over-investment process that the Spanish port devolution process, especially, has generated must also be mentioned, for highlighting once again the almost inexhaustible ability of ports to eat up public funds for investment that precludes profitability.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their gratitude to the Ente Público Puertos del Estado. The authors are also grateful to Professor Michael Browne and the three anonymous reviewers for their very helpful comments.

Notes

Data taken from the annual reports of the UNCTAD.

A large shopping-mall located on land that used to belong to the port of Barcelona.

Over the ten years 1999–2008 the four top Spanish ports, Algeciras Bay, Valencia, Barcelona and Bilbao, increased their share from 46.85% to 54.64%.