A port can be defined by its geographical and functional elements. The geographical elements include:
- Situation. The relative position of the port in relation to other ports serviced through shipping networks and its hinterland. This reflects how the port is connected to maritime and inland circulation systems.
- Site. The physical characteristics of the port, such as its nautical profile (depth, access channel) and the land available for port activities, particularly for terminals. At start, there are ports with direct access to the sea through a bay or a natural harbor and mainland ports with access to the sea through an intermediary navigation channel.
The following functional elements help define a seaport:
- Logistics node. The added value performed by the port’s transportation function, including the handling, storage, consolidation, and deconsolidation of cargoes.
- Industrial node. Activities depending on the port as a platform to supply inputs such as raw materials and distribute outputs such as parts and finished goods.