During the past 15 to 20 years, infrastructure has evolved from being largely government funded to allowing for private investor participation. One subsector within infrastructure investing that U.S. investors are learning more about is ports, and as these assets become more available to investors, many struggle with where to begin.

There are more ways to invest in port infrastructure than one might think. It is not only about buying port terminals themselves, but investing in companies that already own port terminals or in support infrastructure, such as roads and rail.

Because ports are found worldwide, there are a wide variety of investment opportunities. And many of these assets are massive operations, handling more cargo than any other mode of shipping.

For example, according to the 2013 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, 95 percent of overseas trade produced or consumed by the United States passes through its ports. In 1994, U.S. trade wi