Source: adapted from R. Tolley and B. Turton (1995) Transport Systems, Policy and Planning, p. 32.

Port Functions

Ports are a component of freight distribution as they offer a maritime / land interface for export and import activities. They are points of convergence of inland and coastal transportation systems, defining a port's hinterland. This function may be direct, as freight reaches a port directly through road transportation, or indirect as freight reaches a port though an inland port or through traffic consolidation at a regional port and shipped by coastal transportation. Likewise, ports are points of distribution to inland and coastal transportation systems, defining a port's foreland. At the local level, every port provides services to ships with berths, docks, navigation channels and repairs (occasionally), and services to merchandises with cranes, warehouses and access to inland distribution systems.

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