Port planning should take into account the following elements: port development strategy; the relationship between port and city; port financing; the key financial players; economic impacts, both local and national; and environmental impacts. The master plan usually sets out a 10-year port development option, where many different interests come into play, and it requires an agreed course of action. This paper examines the challenges that a port faces in achieving its primary objectives as outlined in its master plan. Namely, economic expansion; employment; the strengthening of the maritime industry; the creation of value-added services – benefiting city and port alike; the provision and upgrading of infrastructure; and the development of an efficient management strategy. In what direction are we moving in terms of port planning models? This article is designed to stimulate a debate that may provide some of the answers for the future, where each individual port can tailor its own solution. Maritime Economics & Logistics (2003) 5, 413–425. doi:10.1057/palgrave.mel.9100089
