A whole series of changes in the field of world economics such as the globalisation of production and consumption, as well as structural changes in inter-port relations, port-hinterland relationships and logistics, have strengthened the role of ports as nodes in the global transport system.

Historically ports were measured on their ability to accommodate ships and other modes of transport effectively and efficiently. Contemporary developments in transportation, however, dictate that emphasis shift to the ability of ports to fulfill new roles in the logistics era in the context of operating within integrated global supply chain systems. The role of modern seaports involves integration in the supply chain, and fulfilling this role means a greater ability by the port to satisfy customers and achieve objectives.

To do this, ports need to act as orchestras or clusters rather than soloists or silos.