Since
its inception, IAPH has served the global port industry and formed
a global alliance of ports and harbors over the past decades. Being
the World Ports Association, IAPH comprises now some 230 Regular Members
- leading ports in 90 countries and economies, who are public port authorities,
private port operators and government agencies. In 2002, a total of
7.1 billion tons - accounting for some 60% of the world sea-borne trade
- was handled by IAPH member ports, and over 80% of world container
traffic in 2001 was handled by them. In addition, more than 100 shipping,
stevedoring and warehousing businesses, national and regional port associations,
port and maritime research institutes, and manufacturers of port-related
products are represented as Associate members.
Though
"unity" characterizes IAPH, its membership is in reality diverse.
In terms of port operation, we have landlord ports, operating ports,
and a mixture of both. As to ownership, we have public port authorities
- national, state, municipal - and private port/terminal operating companies,
and a joint venture of public and private sectors. IAPH seeks ways and
means to harmonize such diversity, but at the same time diversity is
often our strength and assets! We in IAPH are united in a spirit of
friendship and cooperation to help one another, large and small, developed
and developing.
