Comparative Analysis of Two Seaports in the Baltic-Adriatic Corridor

Abstract

Ports are complex systems that have an essential role in the transportation of freight and indisputable importance for economies worldwide. Port operation requires many resources, and their performance depends on various factors.

This paper focuses on the Port of Koper in the Adriatic Sea, and the Port of Gdansk in the Baltic Sea. Two ports located in two very different countries, yet with similar recent history, are connected by the Baltic-Adriatic corridor.

The authors have compared the recent development of these ports through the analysis of five elements, and determined that better strategic measures have been taken in the Port of Gdansk, resulting in the faster development of the port and the opportunity to further improve its performance by strengthening its position on the Central European markets. Koper could learn how to further stabilize its position in the North Adriatic region from the model employed by the Port of Gdansk. Reorganization is required to make Koper more competitive and capable of attracting fresh money. Also, the state should be much more supportive of the Port of Koper.