CONTAINER TRAFFIC ON THE FAR EAST – NORTH OR SOUTH EUROPE ROUTE

The container cargo flows on the Far East - Europe route show continuous growth trends. Such traffic projections mobilize all participants in the logistics chain – from ordering to final delivery of goods. The container transport chain on the global market must be defined in a manner which will allow continuous optimization of the same. The backbone of container transport chain is a combination of maritime transport and road networks on the mainland, for transport of containers to their destination. Mega container companies have a similar strategy for the establishment of direct and indirect line shipping service. The strategy is based on the right selection of ports for the individual line. The selection of a particular port reflects the port's internal efficiency, but also the development of the mainland service network. The individual port's strength is a result of the hinterland's or, respectively, the gravitational area's economic development. In this paper, the central part of the European area is divided into North and South; the analysis of demographic and economic factors produced certain indicators which provide an answer to the paper's fundamental question, namely, the choice between North and South of Europe.