A port is a coast facility comprising of harbors. Among the different port types, neither serves best the interest of humanity other than the one that will provide efficiently the shore operations for a particular locality and populace. Ports are built to meet specific overriding need (s). According to Patrick, there are two broad classifications under which ports may fall depending on their functions and ports geographical typology (2009, p. 7-10). Depending on the main functions undertaken, three overall typologies of ports are the cargo handling, the MIDAS (Maritime Industrial Development Area) and shore interface carrier (specific ship).
Cargo handling ports purposely considers those that interface delivery missions with inclination to trade. Four sub-types of ports identified under cargo handling ports are the hub ports, feeder port, centre port and domestic port (Patrick, 2009, p. 7-9). In the past, the transit reach of the sea carrier servicing the port has dictated its development that is; those serving other international ports have tended to be larger while those with local reach are smaller. In this view, the multinational shipping operators have tended to influence positioning of hub ports. However, the emergence of interchange port that handles cargo from large carriers has changed the perspective of model of the original hub type. The feeder ports have come in handy to service the interchange ports. In cases where a single hub port operates within a region, then it enjoys a lot of monopoly status (Patrick, 2009, p.8). Although interchange (and a feeder port) ports or another hub port within the region reduces the monopoly of a single port, in delivery missions that handle large volume transfer services between ships may add costs to the shipping companies. Domestic port essentially need infrastructure layout tailored for local operations but with no interest to major shipment. According to Cyber Orchid (2009), centre port serves to mediate handling during import and export operations (para.16).
No single port type stands out since their underlying services that each type of the port gives. Furthermore, other opportunistic factors may determine the kind of port to construct. Patrick (2009) gives an example of Port Sines in South Portugal which was originally a hub port but when need arose for an extra hub an interchange port in the deep waters was opted (p.9). Reasons for the selection include geographical location of the hub port; sea depth at the port; future growth plans and port operations capabilities. Sub-types of MIDAS ports are the large industrial zone, customs free port and oil port. These ports are specialized in handling cargo for the industrial purposes. Industrial plants that rely on inputs and output delivery services are located adjacent to the port. Industrial priorities drive the need to construct and thus the location and type of the ports.
Shore interface typology of ports handle unique operations that are unique to that locality. These include naval, fishing or a specific commodity export port (Patrick, 2009, p.9). Such ports may need little or no interference from other shipping operations. Whether to set up this kind of a port will depend on need assessment for their services. For instance, a fishing hotspot that brings foreign earnings may need a port to handle its cargo. Off shore piracy that disrupts maritime may lead to construction of a naval port that host a navy force that conduct surveillance to reinforce security.
Geographical classification of ports includes the coastal submergence; submerged estuaries, tidal estuaries, artificial harbors and non-tidal (Patrick, 2009, p.10). The geographical port types depend of the geographical landscape of the shore. These terrains are evaluated to determine what kind of port is suitable. Thus, the ports names are derivative of the terrain they sit on. Another compelling factor is whether its services would suit shipping operations.
References
Cyber Orchid Co. Ltd. (2009). Support: Definitions. Web.
Patrick, A. (2008). Port Management and Operations (3rd ed.). Informa: Publication Info.