This study investigates horizontal collaboration initiatives of ports and terminals. It includes the identification of drivers, benefits and barriers. Moreover, it examines how collaboration initiatives can be managed effectively. At first a literature review has been conducted. Secondly, an in-depth case study based on semi-structured interviews with several organizations has been carried out. Both have been compared and discussed. The study confirmed several trends and factors of the existing literature, whilst at the same time new factors have been revealed and some factors have been refute.

Christian Schwab, MSc., was born 1984 in Leer (Ostfriesland), Germany. During his working time in a shipowning company and a chartering broker he gained valuable practical knowledge in the shipping industry. The German Chamber of Commerce awarded him with the title 'Germany´s Best Shipping Merchant 2009'. In 2012 he graduated and received a Master of Maritime Logistics and Supply Chain Management from the Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Facinated by Logistics and Shipping, he focused this study on the upcoming trend on horizontal collaboration in the maritime industry which has been awarded with the 'Marilyn Stone Memorial Prize' from the ELUPEG.