Ports and hinterland connections: what do we really know? An empirical analysis in South-Eastern Europe

The role of ports relative to the territory seems to be not well addressed by existing analytical approaches regarding multimodal transport networks. Available port statistics usually report sea-side point transport data, while data about multimodal hinterland connections (inbound and outbound) is scant or simply non-existent. At the same time, land-based origin-destination transport data traditionally does not include port-related information determining a misspecification of existing land-based transport models. There is then the need to address such gaps by proposing approaches and methods to improve the analytical framework of multimodal transport networks and support effective EU, regional and national transport policies. The paper aims at filling such gaps with regards to a specific geographical area, e.g., the South-Eastern Europe. An approach is proposed to collect currently missing data so as to elaborate geographical modelling tools to support an improved analytical framework and policymaking in the area. Data collection processes are carried out based on a questionnaire format to get original, on-the-field added value data. Geographical tools (GIS) are then employed to support a strategic assessment of the role of ports relative to the territory. Results provide insights to get a better picture of the multimodal transport networks in the region, thus, supporting more effective policies at the EU level.