Integration Stages & Patterns of Port Service Supply Chains

Through elaboration on the concept of Port Service Supply Chain, the four integration stages like no integration, interior integration, exterior integration and integration among different port supply chains are pointed out, among which the third one is the emphasis of this paper. Six integration patterns applicable for this stage are introduced and compared according to their different characters like degree of integration, degree of coupling, information capability and influence on the partners. The transition mode of six integration patterns is analyzed and the six patterns are divided into primary, intermediate and advanced level according to their degree of integration. Finally, the features of three integration levels are discussed and some conclusions are drawn.