Shipping Companies Strategies and Mediterranean Ports Competitiveness

The object of this paper is to explore the attractiveness of Mediterranean ports and their potential activity as gateway-terminals and hub ports, particularly in terms of the wealth of the surrounding regions. There is recognition that: - the liner shipping market has acquired a truly global dimension; - liner shipping companies have consolidated their position; - for liner shipping companies the Mediterranean is no longer a simple linking channel but instead a strategic localization for transshipment. The globalisation and concentration of the liner shipping industry is strongly emphasized. The phenomenon of consolidation is also producing a visible dimensional increase among leading forwarders and logistics providers. While shipping companies control maritime legs, forward providers control inland legs and they are joining forces to master a larger market. However, this development is not yet observed in the Mediterranean zone, although the Mediterranean offers great potential for container throughput