This volume presents the report of the Pacem in Maribus Conference on Ports as Nodal Points in the Global Transport System held in Rotterdam in August 1990. Ports are one of the principal interfaces between land and sea, and the main entry and exit points in the global transport system which links the world's nations with more than 70 per cent of the Earth's surface. Discussion centred around the following themes: changes in the world economy; developments in technology; ports and the environment; ports as nodal points; the global transport system; developing countries and the cases of ports together with their roles and needs, and finally, the Port of Rotterdam. The book concludes with four recommendations concerning port management and planning, the environment, international co-operation and also suggestions concerning Africa.