Abstract
The growth and achievements of the cargo and shipping industry of the Asian region are significant. Increasing cargo movement and recognition of the cargo industry as an important economic sector resulted in the development of the port infrastructure, national policies, funds allocation and intense regional competition. Therefore, the present research is a genuine attempt to study the availability of infrastructure at prominent cargo ports of the various countries of the region, like China, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, and South Korea. The study provided a precise picture of the regional port infrastructure and analysed the present challenges of the development. The researcher has provided the contemporary port infrastructure parameters—modern and technology-enabled infrastructure, sustainability, and competitiveness of the infrastructure. A detailed port infrastructure development plan has been given. The provided suggestions are guiding notes for policymakers and planners of the countries of the Asian region.
TopIntroduction
The Asian region is geographically vast and diverse, with a large population(Bolton et al., 2023). Very commonly enlisted Asian countries are Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan (Inoguchi, 2022; Kiyota et al., 2017; Schüller, 2023). Asian countries have consistently maintained high levels of economic growth and have become serious competitors in international markets (Kiyota et al., 2017; Wai et al., 2022). The success of Asian countries in international competition can be attributed to factors such as dynamic economic development, improved living standards, skilled labour, related technologies, infrastructure, and active domestic competition (Wai et al., 2022).
According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTD, 2023b), Asia remained the world's major marine freight area, with Asian ports in both developed and developing countries carrying over 4.6 billion tonnes of goods, accounting for roughly 42% of total products loaded in ports worldwide. In 2021, Asian ports received over 7.1 billion tonnes, which accounted for 64% of total commodities released worldwide. There is intense competition among container ports in Asia. Moreover, the traffic is gradually growing annually. The growth is driven by the large-scale globalization and growth of the Chinese and Indian economies (Gu et al., 2023; Yap et al., 2006; Yeo, 2010). Further, its central location in global trade routes strategically supports the growth of the logistics industry. Yeo (2010) highlighted the statistics mentioning that Asia is home to 7 out of the 10 biggest container terminals in the world like Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Busan, Shenzhen, and Qingdao ports etc. A.-R. Kim & Lu (2016) underlined that around 50% of global container flow passes through Asia, therefore competition for hub ports among Asian ports is becoming more intense.
According to the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI)(World Bank Group & S&P Global, 2023), 18 of the top 25 ports globally are in Asia, including 11 in Eastern Asia and four in Western Asia. Here are some notable cargo ports in the Asian region: Port of Shanghai, China, Port of Singapore, Singapore, Port of Hong Kong, China, Port of Busan, South Korea, Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan, China, Port of Shenzhen, China, Port of Tokyo, Japan, Port Klang, Malaysia, Port of Colombo, Sri Lanka, Jebel Ali Port, UAE, Port of Chennai, India, Port of Jakarta, Indonesia etc.(Abe & Wilson, 2009a; Gu et al., 2023; Herrera & Pang, 2006; Othman et al., 2020; Sugimura et al., 2023; UNCTAD, 2019; UNCTD, 2023a, 2023b; World Bank Group & S&P Global, 2023; Yap et al., 2006; Yeo, 2010).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Intermodal Connectivity: The integration and coordination of various modes of transportation (e.g., sea, rail, road, air) within the cargo port infrastructure to facilitate the seamless movement of goods. Intermodal connectivity is crucial for optimizing logistics operations and enhancing the competitiveness of cargo ports.
Port Modernization: The process of upgrading port facilities and operations through the adoption of new technologies, improved processes, and enhanced infrastructure. Modernization aims to increase the capacity, efficiency, and safety of cargo ports, making them better equipped to handle current and future demands.
Cargo Port Infrastructure: The physical and organizational structures, facilities, and services necessary for the operation of ports that handle cargo shipments. This includes terminals, cranes, storage facilities, navigation channels, and logistic support systems designed to facilitate the loading, unloading, storage, and distribution of cargo.
Economic Corridors: Economic corridors refer to integrated networks of infrastructure within a geographical area designed to stimulate economic development. In the context of cargo port infrastructure, economic corridors include the development of ports, roads, railways, and other logistics facilities that enhance trade and investment flows in the region.
Supply Chain Efficiency: A measure of the effectiveness and efficiency of the supply chain, including the movement of goods from suppliers to consumers. Enhancements in cargo port infrastructure directly impact supply chain efficiency by reducing delays, lowering costs, and improving reliability and speed of cargo delivery.
Smart Ports: Ports that leverage advanced technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain, to improve various aspects of port operations, including cargo handling, security, environmental monitoring, and administrative processes.
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborative agreements between governmental bodies and private sector entities to fund, build, and operate cargo port infrastructure projects. PPPs are often used to leverage private investment and expertise in the development and management of port facilities.