Master's thesis explores the role of horizontal and vertical cooperation and integration in intermodal transport chains, with a specific focus on the Northern Adriatic region. The thesis is structured into five chapters. The theoretical part presents the fundamental concepts of intermodal transport, including its historical development, traffic volumes in key markets, trends, and the role of the main Northern Adriatic ports and their hinterland connections. Furthermore, the theoretical foundations of horizontal and vertical cooperation and integration are discussed, along with selected practical examples from the field of intermodal transport.
The empirical part is based on a survey conducted among four key stakeholder groups: freight forwarders, shipping lines, rail operators, and terminal operators. The research focuses on the frequency and quality of cooperation, involvement in logistics associations or networks, perceived benefits and obstacles, the level of digital integration, and stakeholder perspectives on structural changes and trends in vertical integration. The findings confirm the central research thesis – that cooperation and integration among key actors in Northern Adriatic intermodal transport chains positively influence the efficiency of their operations and represent a crucial factor for the further development of intermodal transport through Northern Adriatic ports.
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