Ports, which have traditionally been run like government departments, are becoming a normal industry thanks to the infusion of private money that promises greater competition, higher productivity and eventually lower costs that will be passed on the importers and exporters. In this new and volatile environment, the pubil sector is forced to reassess its role in the port industry.

The retreat of government flourishes in the belief that an enterorise-based economy would allow for greater flexibility and efficiency in the market and a more effective response to consumers demands. Many so-called port privatisation schemes are in fact some form of commercialisation or coprporatisation of a port authority.