Ports, ferries & maritime

The maritime industry operates in a competitive market, generally free of subsidy, except in the context of lifeline services. However, maritime is robustly regulated and, in regard to the ports themselves, subject to the rigours of the planning environment. In this context, Steer’s understanding of the industry allows us to provide support in the planning and development of ports and the introduction of ferry services, and in the support of investment in CORE + assets – ferry companies, container terminals, etc.

Across the maritime sector, Steer combines its knowledge of the markets (what is the demand for passenger and cargo, what do potential customers want from the service, and what will they pay) with its commercial understanding of how these services are provided. This has allowed us to assist government in the development and support of ports and ferry services, operators in developing their offer and investors in investing in ferry services, tug operators, port/terminal facilities.

We provide our commercial analysis within the context of our wider knowledge of public sector planning and investment. With maritime assets representing a significant target for infrastructure investment, we have gained a significant reputation in the support of transactions in this space.

We work with a wide range of clients with a particular focus on short sea ferries and, especially in the US market, on high-speed commuter services.

How we can help you

We have an expert team who specialise in demand and revenue analysis, operations and technical expertise. We also draw on the wider expertise of the business in support of commercial analysis.