1. We are WSP
  2. What we do
  3. Transport and Infrastructure
  4. Maritime Industry
  5. Port Advisory
ExpertiseProjectsInsightsSectorsServicesFAQ

Our teams have developed an unparalleled database for trade, port, and shipping markets, together with considerable and wide-ranging expertise accumulated on the part of our principals and consultants.

We provide global bespoke consultancy services for port authorities, terminal operating companies, governments, shipping lines, logistics operators, and the wider financial community. Our specialized expertise includes container terminals, dry and liquid bulks, Ro-Ro, general/breakbulk commodities, chilled/frozen goods, ferries, shipbuilding and repair, offshore vessels, and passenger/cruise.

 

Dedicated port advisory services

Strategy and operations advice

The global maritime market is a challenging and complex environment with constantly changing market conditions, policies and regulatory frameworks. Our team provides detailed market insights to assist clients in becoming future-ready. We help our clients to identify, develop, and implement strategic initiatives, drawing on decades of industry experience in all main geographies. We provide strategic advice on market structure and trends, business planning, benchmarking, restructuring, traffic and demand modelling, tariff modelling, and developing a "go-to market" strategy. By combining financial, technical, and operational expertise, WSP assists with the commercial decision-making process while minimizing investment risk.

Strategy and operations advice
Venture optimization

Venture optimization

Our port advisory services focus not only on financial aspects, but also on operational, managerial, market environment, maintenance, technology, and expansion potential. We follow a structured approach to optimize business operations by identifying, defining, planning, and implementing initiatives that will unleash significant value improvement potential from current assets. Our in-house database provides a solid base to benchmark productivity and assist with the quantification of gaps between current assets and processes relative to best practices. WSP offers a unique proposition that combines input from our commercial, technical and operational knowledge base to explore benefits that will be realized over the short, medium and long term.

Financial modelling and business case development

In order to determine the potential value of a new project, investment, or initiative, our financial modelling experts operate at the intersection of commercial, technical, and financial requirements. Our approach is tailored to the client’s valuation model and our models form the basis of the business case development for investment decisions. By combining in-house market forecast expertise with technical (CAPEX and OPEX) projections, we are able to accurately forecast the future earning potential of an investment. Our experts validate the market data and ensure that the business case has the right scope for the project being considered.

We can approach projects from a wide range of angles: business valuation, scenario preparation for strategic planning, cost of capital calculations for corporate finance projects, capital budgeting decisions, operational planning and allocation of corporate resources. In addition, our models can incorporate projections and trends for forecasting purposes, benchmarking to industry standards and ratio analysis.

Financial modelling
PPP advisory

PPP advisory

In many ports today, the public sector acts mainly as planner, facilitator, and regulator, while the private sector acts as service provider, operator, and developer. WSP is experienced in assisting clients with applying for funding for a wide variety of port projects. This includes investment by contractors (especially relevant in cases where there is a large construction element associated with the project), equity investment from strategic investors such as pension funds, sovereign funds and insurance companies, subsidies from governments and operating revenues/ user taxes (in the case of brownfield port assets) and bank loans from commercial banks, multilaterals, development banks, and/or Sukuk.

Transaction services

Although mergers and acquisitions are commonly recognized as significant opportunities to create business development potential, they also present a potentially significant risk to the acquirer. Professional Due Diligence reduces exposure to risks involved in acquisition and investments, and improves the chances of success. WSP has an extensive track record in undertaking Commercial, Technical, and EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) Due Diligence assessments.

Our bespoke consultancy services predominantly focus on findings that could have investment implications. Drawing on our wide in-house expertise, we provide perspective on opportunities, as well as risks at all stages of the investment cycle. Our services range from providing traditional pre-acquisition and vendor Due Diligence to assessments of port assets and portfolios. Our approach facilitates the identification of potential hidden cost, translating significant issues into clear expenditure (CAPEX and/or OPEX) projections. Our reports contain clear and succinct recommendations and highlight key findings for the financial and/or reputation implications of an investment.

Transaction services

Port advisory projects

Port advisory insights

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October 2024

Planning and Designing Next-Generation Dry Ports
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svg-icon Climate , Decarbonization , Mobility
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April 2023

Port Electrification for Container Operations and Vessels
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svg-icon Energy Transition , Decarbonization
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April 2021 | 5 minutes

Smart Port Planning - Breakwater Design Considerations
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Frequently asked questions

What port advisory services does WSP provide?

WSP provides comprehensive port advisory services spanning strategy and operations advice, venture optimization, financial modelling and business case development, PPP advisory, and transaction services. We support port authorities, terminal operators, governments, investors, and logistics stakeholders across the full lifecycle of port assets and investments.

Who does WSP support through its port advisory services?

WSP works with a broad range of clients, including port authorities, terminal operating companies, shipping lines, logistics operators, governments, and the financial community. Our experience covers container terminals, dry and liquid bulk, Ro-Ro, breakbulk, ferries, cruise terminals, shipbuilding and repair facilities, offshore vessels, and passenger operations.

How does WSP help ports develop future-ready strategies and operations?

WSP combines global market intelligence with deep operational and technical expertise to help clients respond to evolving trade patterns, regulatory frameworks, and technology trends. Our advisory services include market and demand forecasting, business planning, benchmarking, tariff modelling, restructuring, and go-to-market strategies—supporting informed decision-making while minimizing investment risk.

How does WSP support financial modelling and business case development for ports?

WSP develops tailored financial models that integrate commercial forecasts with technical CAPEX and OPEX inputs. These models underpin robust business cases for new developments, expansions, or operational changes, enabling clients to assess value, test scenarios, benchmark performance, and support investment and funding decisions with confidence.

What experience does WSP have with PPPs and port transactions?

WSP has extensive experience advising on PPP structures, funding strategies, and transactions across the port sector. Our services include funding advisory, procurement support, and commercial, technical, and EHS due diligence for acquisitions, investments, and portfolio assessments. We help clients identify risks, quantify financial implications, and unlock long-term value throughout the investment cycle.

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