Role and Features of Port Administrations

The article emphasizes that there is a need to review the role of port authorities, identify trends in port management and assess the economic impact of port management reform. Conceptually, port administrations can experience a "renaissance" to face the many pressures of stakeholders, address socio-economic changes in the port landscape and improve the competitiveness of their ports. They can do this by acting as a facilitator or entrepreneur. Port authorities can generate more demand for a port product by reducing the overall cost of transporting cargo or passengers through the port. The traditional functions of port authorities have undergone significant changes. In larger multi-functional ports, the actual function of the operator, at least where cargo handling services are concerned, has been shifted towards aspects of the functions of lessor and regulator. Now the main feature of the operator's role is the granting and supervision of concessions. The function of the lessor and the regulator have become the two main functions and thus correspond to the general definition of the lessor's port model. A number of typical conflict situations that may exist in relation to port development are identified, including environmental protection, urban planning, working conditions, residents' interests and general economic development. It is necessary to make changes in management, even within the existing (formal) structures. The competitive position of the port will be determined not so much by the system of operation (for example, the landlord or the service port), but by the commercial attitude, mentality and entrepreneurial culture. It is necessary to develop leadership qualities in port management at the local and regional level, expanding competencies beyond the purely maritime dimension, and including competencies and know-how in the field of real estate management, environmental management. Port authorities have four main functions that can be performed at the local, regional and global levels. We can combine these functions and levels into a so-called "renaissance matrix". Several combinations are possible in this matrix, but a review of the above-mentioned existential variants. It is possible to derive a hypothetical typology, which consists of three main types: "conservative", "facilitator" and "entrepreneur". The conservation port focuses on having a good economy, and essentially adheres to the passive and mechanistic implementation of the three traditional functions of the author's port at the local level. The facilitator's port is a mediator and partner between economic and social interests. The Entrepreneurial Port will be the most complete port of resurgence management, combining the main features of a facilitator with a more outspoken commercial attitude as an investor, supplier, sender and consultant at all three geographical levels.