Autonomous port

An autonomous port (or independent port) (French: port autonome) is a state-owned enterprise or an organization managing a port area, with a legal entity and enjoying managerial autonomy vis-à-vis its supervision. In general, autonomous ports are state-run. In France, either the state authorities,regional authorities,or local authorities are responsible for the port facilities. If the country allows, these ports can potentially own their land and maritime domain. This type of organization may operate its own tools and terminals, but these are often concessioned to a private port operator. It is rare for a port to run itself; the job is generally given to independent organizations, but they have strong links to the authority, and are still referred to as "autonomous ports" in French-speaking countries.