Strategic Cooperation in Peripheral Ports: The Case of Atlantic Canada’s Ports

Abstract

This paper examines ports on the geographical periphery of the port business: they are off the main shipping routes or not located proximal to large domestic markets. These ports have development potential, but reaching it requires specific strategies. The paper first discusses the nature of peripheral ports followed by a conceptualization of two development strategies: cooperation among seaports and coordination of supply chain operators with the emphasis on cooperation. The paper considers Atlantic Canada’s ports and their current cooperation initiatives concluding with recommendations on how these ports may better serve their interests through applying cooperation strategies found elsewhere.