Market structure, privatisation and regulation of Portuguese seaports

• Published in: Maritime policy and management Vol. 37; no. 2; pp. 145 - 161
• Main Authors: Marques, Rui Cunha, Fonseca, Álvaro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 01.03.2010; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Authority; Contracts; Control; Failures; Government agencies; Harbours; Jurisdiction; Management; Maritime industry; Market structure; Markets; Policies; Port authorities; Port operations; Ports; Portugal; Private sector; Privatization; Regulation; Regulations; Regulatory agencies; Right of access; Portugal
• ISSN: 0308-8839; 1464-5254
• DOI: 10.1080/03088830903533791

This article analyses the market structure, the privatisation model and the regulation of port operations in Portugal. The regulation of the port sector in Portugal is developed at three levels. The first one regards regulation by contract (first level) which establishes rules (rights and duties) to the concessionaires. These entities in turn are also supervised by the port authorities (second level) which are responsible for everything that happens under their jurisdiction. Finally, there is a national regulatory agency (third level), which have competencies over the whole sector, including port authorities and concessionaries. These three visible hands intend to minimise the market failures and be pro-active in the growing and development of the Portuguese seaport sector. This document presents the port sector in Portugal, examines in detail the contracts with the private sector and the current regulatory model. It also suggests several measures to improve the regulatory process.