Table 2 Inventory of drivers of inter-terminal coordination problems, as identified by respondents

Lack of willingness to collaborate among container terminals

Port Authority could take a stronger role in mediating between terminals

Delays at customs produce additional uncertainty

Lack of shared vision (‘The great Rotterdam ideal’)

Lack of supply chain visibility at terminals

Often delays at customs (responsible for checking and clearing containers at the terminal)

Port Authority does not recognize problems stemming from competitive focus and unlevel playing field

Overcapacity gives carriers leverage over terminals, ‘play out’ intra-port competition to cut costs

Businesslike relations, Port Authority emphasizes competition, does little to enforce cooperation where needed

Consolidation in liner shipping market puts pressure on container terminals

➔ More ad-hoc decision making

➔ Competition intensifies

Pressure from carriers to cut costs and increase service flexibility on the quayside

Recent port extension has shaken up the stevedoring sector. When market settles again, relations will return to normal

No performance agreements between terminals or between terminals and hinterland transporters

Initiatives to stimulate cooperation are not successful due to the noncommittal nature of agreements between parties and lack of enforcement