Ports today face two competitive challenges: the large increase in volumes and the need for greater efficiency. This paper identifies catalysts for optimum future development of port infrastructure as well as the implication on export competitiveness, port commerce, inter-port co-operation and competition.

It will also provide a framework for improving integrated logistics network as a tool for utilising the full capabilities of modern ports, provide some insights on the cost of poor logistics to country competitiveness and the sources of those higher costs. Beyond cost and time taken to deliver goods, it will also delve into the predictability and reliability of supply chains.

This topic was presented at the 37th annual SAPICS Conference for supply chain professionals in Africa, held from may 31 to 2 June at Sun City in the North West province of South Africa.