Topics in Port and Maritime Consultancy ~ Clusters

A leading proponent of the theory is Professor Michael Porter, an eminent management thinker, who defines a cluster as geographic concentrations of interconnected companies, specialised suppliers, service providers, firms in related industries and associated institutions that compete but also co-operate.

To paraphrase Porter on cluster dynamics: To grow, clusters must innovate, improve productivity, improve access to employees and suppliers and information, exploit complementarities, give birth to new businesses, and engage locally. Improving the competitiveness of the cluster needs a cluster level, collective response, and new modalities for public private partnership.

The cluster concept forms an important component of many Governments' policies stretching from the UK to Singapore to Australia and into the US.

Some more information on clusters is available at our dedicated port and maritime clusters website.

The following assignments have concerned cluster development:

Audit of Assets and Capabilities, Liverpool SuperPort, UK

The Mersey Partnership (TMP) commissioned Fisher Associates to carry out an audit of the physical assets in the ports, airport and distribution sectors that make up the SuperPort, and to identify the capabilities of the companies and other organisations that provide support services to it. We were also tasked to review the competitiveness of these.

This information was collated in a client database, which formed the main deliverable of this work. We also prepared a report with analysis of the competitiveness of the different assets and capabilities using criteria for strategic analysis (from the BCG Matrix and Porter's 5 Forces), based on the judgements of some 20 key stakeholder organisations gathered via a workshop session. (2010)

Ship Registry Expansion / Superyacht Study

The States of Jersey commissioned Fisher Associates to carry out independent research into the business case for expansion of the Jersey Register of British Ships.

The terms of reference require evaluation of the market potential and benefit to the Island economy, the States Treasury and Jersey Harbours of developing the Jersey Shipping Registry, considering potentially sustainable increased market demand in the Superyacht sector and other sectors of the Registry business.

The study involves analysis of the Superyacht market, and assessing the link between Registry growth and new related business which would be based in the Island such as: (i) ship brokerage; (ii) ship and charter management; (iii) crew management; (iv) marine insurance; (v) company and trust management utilising tax efficient structures; (vi) survey and certification; (vii) local marine leisure growth and tourism; (viii) high net worth individual residents; (ix) other .... (2007)

Liverpool Logistics Cluster Strategy ("Superport")

TMP working in partnership with Mersey Maritime and other members of a Steering Group, including Peel Group, convened to develop the concept of the Liverpool Superport. This foresees the development of Liverpool as a holistic logistics cluster integrating different modes into one City-regional competitive concept.

TMP commissioned Fisher Associates to research the concept and develop a strategy. The study commenced in March 2007, and was based on a combination of research from existing work and engagement with several leading businesses. The key tasks included:

Provide an evidence base:

• What are the key facilities and services?
• How does the Superport concept align with strategic trends in the logistics sectors?
• How does it align with policy?

Conceptualise and define Liverpool Superport in terms of what is it and what can it mean to whom?

Where and how can the concept impact on:

• Businesses
• The local and wider economy

Implementation strategy:

• Mission
• Objectives
• Core competencies
• Strategies

This was developed based on a review of logistics in the Liverpool City Region covering shipping services, ports, the airport, roads, rail, intermodal and distribution sites, and waterfront development. The strategy was formed on an analysis of the strategic environment, benchmarking against leading logistics clusters, and a review of key trends globally, and particularly in the global logistics and ports industries. (2007)

Economic Benefit Study of Marina Developments

Isle of Man Harbours proposed to develop a 330 berth marina at Port St Mary, a 130 berth marina in Peel inner harbour, and a 150 berth marina in Ramsey inner harbour. These developments, on top of existing provision, would give the Isle of Man a significant presence in the marine leisure market, opening up opportunities in the supply chain, and lead to economic growth and diversification.

We were commissioned to undertake an economic benefit assessment involving (2006-07):

• Proving demand
• Assessing the supply chain potential
• Identifying the benefits
• Valuing the economic impact

Maritime Sector Economic Impact Study Merseyside

Mersey Maritime appointed Fisher Associates to assess the contribution of the maritime sector to the Merseyside economy. The contribution was based on the direct, indirect and induced economic impacts. (2006)

The methodology relied on a combination of questionnaires, interviews, database interrogation, and benchmarking using other port economic impact studies.

The analysis showed that 1,001 limited companies are located in or near the local area and involved in the maritime sector in Merseyside. The largest concentrations of maritime-related businesses are in Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral.

You can DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE REPORT here.

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