Dry Ports and Logistics Platforms

Book chapter, 2017

A dry port is an inland intermodal terminal connected to a seaport by rail where customers can leave/pick up their standardized units, as if directly at/from a seaport, and get access to a variety of value-adding services. A dry port is a special kind of inland terminal, which can be described as a type of logistics platform. There is a common understanding that the successful implementation of a dry port lowers congestion and environmental impact through modal shift; however, the benefits for the actors of the transport system can include other aspects, such as increase in seaports' terminal capacity and productivity, regional development, and better customer service. The development of a dry port includes three phases: the pre-phase, the start-up phase, and the growth phase. There are a number of factors that influence the implementation of a dry port, one being the cooperation between the actors of the transport system, and in the future, the inclusion of different value-added services could become an important factor. As a response to the challenges facing the transport sector, and in particular ports and their hinterlands, the dry port concept will continue to grow.