Struggling for Leadership

The ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam, both located in close proximity of each other in the Low Countries and sharing virtually the same hinterland, have been eagerly competing for market shares since the late nineteenth century. This intense struggle strongly influenced the development of both competitors. This volume offers a virtually complete survey of existing economic as well as historical research into the development of the seaports of Antwerp and Rotterdam (1870-2000). It contains new contributions on three themes: port throughput, port authorities and port users. Each of these topics is discussed from a local and international point of view. The problem-oriented approach results in a fascinating comparative and multidisciplinary study. Since new research results have been combined with established theories, the volume is a major reference and provides the ideal platform for further research.