Ports are political and economic tools. There are principles and themes for national and international port and port-related policies, including international initiatives, such as emissions control, port security, port labor, as well as the controversial role of geopolitics in port development. The role of ports in economic development and strategic port planning is a relevant theme. The relationships between ports and their localities remain a challenge involving various facets of port-city interactions. To mitigate the political climate, associations are formed at different levels and with different priorities with the goal of representing port interests.