There is a substantial geographical diversity of terminal assets among two groups; the four major holdings (HPH, PSA, DPW and APM) and the smaller terminal operators.
DP World and APM Terminals have the most diversified portfolio of terminals in terms of geographical spread and can thus be considered the most “global” of the global terminal operators. However, a level of regional orientation is already evident. APM Terminals does not have a presence in Australia, while DP World has only a very small presence in North America (CenTerm in Vancouver). PSA and HPH have a limited presence in North and South America.
The strong global character of the largest operators contrasts with the regional orientation of smaller holding companies. Stevedores tend to have a much higher regional orientation than terminal operators controlled by shipping companies. Three stevedores, Ports America, Eurogate, and Shanghai International Port Group, are strictly regional operators. Shipping companies such as Cosco and CMA-CGM are embarking on a substantial transnational strategy, mostly by securing concessions at smaller terminals.