The link between ports and industry

Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers (CNAM), UMR LISE, Paris, France

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Little attention has been devoted to the relationship between ports and industrial development. This presentation advances the hypothesis that port-industrial zones are now engaged in global competition, whereas they were originally conceived within largely national development frameworks. This competition is unlikely to produce convergence. On the contrary, it appears to be generating increasing differentiation between regions of the world. This differentiation is driven primarily by contrasting trajectories of energy transition and varying degrees of dependence on hydrocarbons.

Three broad trajectories may be identified. “Post-hydrocarbon” ports will decarbonize rapidly. European ports could play a leading role in this industrial and energy transition, evolving into decarbonised industrial platforms and becoming less dependent on their traditional function as gateways for global trade. “Hydrocarbon-growth” ports characterize the ports of developing countries with limited hydrocarbon resources. Countries in East Asia, India, or parts of Africa may continue to rely heavily on hydrocarbons during their industrialization phases. Their economic growth will still require large volumes of energy and raw materials. “Intensive-hydrocarbon” ports are in producing regions such (United States, the Gulf states or Russia) may seek to maximize the value of their hydrocarbon resources for as long as possible, despite the challenges posed by global warming.