Conception of fourth generation port and its implementation methods

According to the generation theory of port development and supply chain management theory, the meaning, characters and implementing methods of the fourth generation port were studied, its definition was described, its functions were analyzed, the idea that the fourth generation port is flexible port was given. The four phases implementing the fourth generation port were suggested, including port business processes reengineering phase, JIT phase, lean phase and agile phase. The port flexibility is a strategic mode satisfying the fourth generation port development, which can help port to suit new economical environment brought by modern supply chain management. It is suggested that port operators must meet the customer demands of diverse service, create an agile port, so that port is put into modern supply chain management, and can enter the range of the fourth generation port.