Logistics processes and quality framework in port operation

Abstract

The port operation services have developed a specific framework of business processes of which model is commonly defined by the peculiar logistic activities provided for goods handling in stevedoring operations or for storage, stowage, unitization, or processing operations with added value alongside the flow of the supply chain. In the last decades the port services have been enlarged and diversified not only on extensive basis but intensively also, having on its ground new methods of business processes modelling in completion to the updated equipment and technologies. In this context, the port development is calling for a higher level of social and environmental responsibility, the quality management standards becoming very important for a successful business on sustainable development perspective. Due to its excessive diversification, the quality management framework has been considerable diversified, making difficult the recognition of all the required procedures and standards, to be acquired and implemented on different areas of port logistic functions and processes. The authors’ main purpose for this paperwork was to identify and to depict the most relevant processes, actively pursued in the stevedoring operations, as to further draw a synoptic panel of applied quality management standards, in order to serve the sustainable efforts in harmonizing the business practices in compliance with the social, environmental and public responsibility imperatives.