Shipping lines as agents of change in the port industry

This paper is concerned with explaining how shipping lines are helping create a new world economic order. Global interdependence is now a reality and competition is shaping the action of major carriers. The paper demonstrates how liner companies are adjusting. They are being forced to develop new operational strategies, adopt new technologies and exploit new markets in order to survive in the new global economy they have helped create. And finally, this paper goes on to analyze the nature of the changes wrought by the carriers and provides an assessment of the challenges and opportunities for smaller ports.