There are four basic governance models for ports in terms of their respective public and private responsibilities.
- Public service ports. The port authority or a similar public agency has sole ownership and control of all port activities. It is responsible for all investments, operations, and maintenance activities. These ports are increasingly less common.
- Tool ports. The port authority owns and operates all the port infrastructure and superstructure. Activities, such as cargo handling, are assumed by private companies acting on behalf of the port authority or cargo owners.
- Landlord ports. The port authority assumes the planning and development of port infrastructure while leasing facilities to private operators over long-term concessions. This has become the dominant port governance model worldwide.
- Corporatized ports. The port authority is a private shareholding company, with the public sector often the main shareholder. Outside this ownership structure, it functions similarly to a landlord port.
- Private ports. The public sector has limited involvement in port activities, primarily serving as the regulator and providing services such as customs and pilotage.