port operator

{{Short description|Organization that administers port traffic}}

A port operator is a port authority or company that contracts with the port authority to move cargo through a port at a contracted minimum level of productivity. They may be state-owned (particularly for port authorities) or privately run.

The work involves managing the movement of cargo containers between cargo ships, trucks and freight trains and optimizing the flow of goods through customs to minimize the amount of time a ship spends in port. Maintaining efficiency involves managing and upgrading gantry cranes, berths, waterways, roads, storage facilities, communication equipment, computer systems and dockworkers' union contracts. The port operator also manages paperwork, leases, safety and port security.{{cite web |url=http://www.slate.com/id/2136783/ |title=I'm Running a Port - What Do I Do? |first=Daniel |last=Engber |website=Slate |date=February 22, 2006}}