CONTAINER PORT ´S CHOICE FACTORS IN A LANDLOCKED HINTERLAN D: THE CZECH REPUBLI C

Abstract

Containerization strategies have affected the scale of port competition in a lot of hinterlands. The European context has proven a complex dual range competition dynamics particularly involving the Northern Range and Mediterranean ports in recent years. How this dynamic develops in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has received less attention, but will impact the growth opportunities of ports in both ranges. This paper focuses primarily on quantitative port choice factors in the landlocked Czech Republic. It is based on a quantitative analysis. The factors supporting the dominance of the port of Hamburg with the Czech Republic are discussed. Hamburg is characterized with lower inland haulage costs, total shipment costs and higher inland rail frequency compared to ports such as Bremerhaven or Koper. The proof underlines the share of Hamburg is likely to remain stable in coming years.