UKZN Professor Shares Port Economics Research in Norway

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Professor Mihalis Chasomeris of the Graduate School of Business and Leadership (GSB&L) presented cutting-edge research at the International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME) Conference in Bergen, Norway. 

The co-authored paper titled: ‘Rate of Return Regulation Used to Determine Price Adjustments of the National Ports Authority in South Africa: A Critique’, provided a timely analysis of the regulatory mechanisms that shape South Africa’s port tariffs. The study was co-authored by Stellenbosch University’s Ms Simóne Huskisson and Professor Stephan Krygsman, and Chasomeris, who delivered the presentation. 

The article draws from Huskisson’s master’s dissertation in Transport Economics, jointly supervised by Krygsman and Chasomeris. It critiques the current rate-of-return (RR) methodology applied by the Ports Regulator of South Africa (PRSA) in determining allowable revenue for the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA). 

“Our research shows that by adjusting key variables in the RR model, port tariffs could be significantly reduced - by up to 22% in one scenario,” said Chasomeris. “This could improve port efficiency, global competitiveness and fairness for port users.” 

TNPA plays a vital role as the landlord and exclusive provider of port infrastructure and marine services across South Africa’s eight commercial ports. The findings of the study suggest that a more refined tariff methodology could deliver substantial economic benefits and enhance governance in the maritime sector. 

The conference provided more than just academic engagement. Delegates were treated to a breath-taking tour of Norway’s iconic fjords on the first day - an experience that reinforced the connection between maritime research and the environments it seeks to serve. 

Chasomeris, a seasoned port and maritime economist, has been a member of IAME since attending his first conference in Cyprus in 2005. That initial encounter, he recalls, was a defining moment in his career. 

“Meeting academics whose work I had cited in my PhD and forming global friendships inspired me to actively contribute to the maritime economics field.” 

Since then, Chasomeris and his postgraduate students have presented research at several IAME conferences across the globe. Many of these papers were outcomes of master’s dissertations and doctoral theses that he supervised at UKZN, some of which were completed through the PhD by publication route. 

Beyond research, Chasomeris engages directly with stakeholders in the South African port system. Through his involvement with the Durban Port Forum, a committee of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he remains well informed about both local developments and international best practices. He also teaches Port Economics and Port Governance and Regulation within UKZN’s postgraduate Maritime Studies programmes. 

With the next IAME conference in Singapore in 2026, Chasomeris encourages UKZN students and staff with an interest in port economics, maritime studies, and transport policy to consider joining the association and participating in its vibrant global academic community. 

“The IAME community provides a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. It’s a space where young scholars can grow, contribute, and connect with international thought leaders,” he said. 

For more information about IAME and the 2025 conference visit: https://www.iame.ac/ | https://iame2025.com/ 

Words: Lungile Ngubelanga

Photograph: Supplied