Management of the ferry shipping and ferry ports in regional transport systems between continental Europe and the Nordic countries

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of the article is to research and assets the position of ferry industry in the transport chains between continental European countries and the Nordic states, as well as evaluate the activities of ferry and port operators to improve the efficiency of the land-sea transportation in North – South corridors.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Several research methods were applied: literature review, data exploration method, desk research and comparative analysis.

FINDINGS: Research revealed lack of publications on ferry business activity in context of its functions in regional supply chains. Research has shown that the proper organization and coordination of services in ferry terminals is the key element to the efficiency of the sea – land transport chains.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The article emphasizes that the activities undertaken by the ferry and port operators allows to improve the efficiency of the regional transport chains in Baltic Sea Region. The study also indicates the examples of given ports and ferry operators where implementations of the intermodal solutions are undertaken.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The review of literature revealed lack of publications concerning regional transport systems in BSR. The studies discussing ferry shipping primarily focus on the research into the ferry markets, supply and demand developments, as well as the role of ferries in short sea shipping. So far not study has been conducted on the activities undertaken by both ferry and ports in intermodal systems, so there is a research gap in this area. The paper is the first study on this subject and represents a contribution to the further detailed research.