Source: compiled and adapted from Notteboom (2016), The adaptive capacity of container ports in an era of mega vessels: the case of upstream seaports Antwerp and Hamburg, Journal of Transport Geography, 54, 295-309
There are multiple possible drivers for port terminal migration and relocation, including: (a) more stringent technical requirements, such as the need for deep water access to accommodate ever larger vessels; (b) the need for locations that offer better connectivity to liner shipping networks; (c) diseconomies of scale and land availability issues at existing port terminal areas; (d) additional real estate for terminal operations and supporting logistical activities in light of traffic growth; (e) better accessibility to regional transportation such as highways, rail or barge; (f) urban/city development dynamics; (g) cost differentials between existing and new locations in terms production factors capital, labor and or land; (h) environmental restrictions at established ports terminals; (i) competition between incumbent and entrant terminal operators; and (j) political and administrative issues in existing jurisdictions.