Developing the Port Hinterland Impact matrix (PHI) for inland ports: an application to the port of Brussels

By applying the PHI matrix developed for seaports to the inland port setting, this paper succeeds in providing insight into the spatial distribution of the inland port impact, whilst highlighting the issues faced by inland ports in contractual and governance terms in their own hinterland. The analysis focuses on the logistical dedicatedness, as an expression of asset specificity, and the geographic reach of traffic flows. The results indicate that the inland port under consideration faces challenges of retaining relatively new traffic categories (e.g. containers) characterised by a high potential for transport mode substitution. However, the more traditional traffic categories (e.g. construction materials) show higher levels of logistical dedicatedness to the port. As a result, propositions can be made, on the economic and environmental impact of inland port activities, and how to strive for an optimum on both impact dimensions within a larger spatial framework.