Specialization. The next phase involved the construction of specialized piers to handle freight such as containers, ores, grain, petroleum and coal (4), which expanded warehousing needs significantly. Larger high-capacity ships often required dredging or the construction of long jetties granting access to greater depths. This evolution implied for several ports a migration of their activities away from their original setting and an increase of their handling capacities. In turn, original port sites, commonly located adjacent to downtown areas, became obsolete and were abandoned. Numerous reconversion opportunities of port facilities to other uses (waterfront parks, housing and commercial developments) were created (5).