Analysis of the potential contribution of value-adding services to the competitive logistics strategy of ports

This paper examines the potential contribution of value-adding services (VAS) to port logistics strategy development in order to enhance competitiveness in the face of increasing competition between ports. Based on an empirical study taking the critical-realist approach of mixed methods' research and using data from multiple case-study ports in both developed and developing countries, the relevance and deployment of value-adding services are assessed with a view to facilitating port strategy decisions. This study addresses the paucity of VAS investigations in the maritime logistics literature and examines the potential contribution of VAS to port competitiveness from the perspective of port users. Results demonstrate that the most readily available and accessible value-adding services are transport services, followed by warehousing and water supplies. The paper concludes that value-adding services have the potential to both attract port users and retain them.