The seaworthiness and security offered by the Tagus estuary has always favored the human presence in the area. The oldest traces of their presence date back to pre-history. APL, SA completed its transformation into a model port authority of a landlord" type by the development, in recent years, of a program of concessions to private operators of most port activities. Today APL is dedicated to managing its dominion and exercise other functions of coordination, facilitation and promotion, which are essential to maintaining and improving competitive levels of the harbor and the partners of the Lisbon Port Community.