International Port Research Articles

Ratting on wildlife crime: training African giant pouched rats to detect illegally trafficked wildlife

The illegal wildlife trade (IWT) is one of the largest global crime economies, directly threatening species and their habitats, and biodiversity, and indirectly the global climate, and countries’ economies. Syndicates operating within the IWT are often involved in trafficking of humans, weapons, and drugs. IWT takes place in large scale through international ports, with wildlife being smuggled inside shipping containers. Current methods to combat IWT and screen these shipping containers, such as X-ray scans, are expensive and time-consuming. Scent-detection animals present an innovative approach to combatting IWT, as animals may be better suited to distinguish between organic materials and less susceptible to visual concealment methods. Previous scent-detection work has largely focused on conservation dogs (Canis lupus familiaris). Here, we present a series of proof-of-principle studies training African giant pouched rats (Cricetomys ansorgei) to detect illegally trafficked wildlife. As initial proof-of-principle within a controlled laboratory environment, we trained rats (n=11) to detect the scent of pangolin scales (Manis spp.) and a threatened African hardwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon). In subsequent experiments, we trained these rats (n=10) to detect rhinoceros horn (family Rhinocerotidae), and elephant tusks (Loxodonta spp.). At the conclusion of these studies, rats (n=7) accurately identified all four target species (although ivory samples may have been cross-contaminated, and results should be interpreted with caution) while correctly rejecting non-target items commonly used by traffickers to conceal the presence of illicit material. Rats detected the presence of wildlife targets even when these were concealed in mixtures among non-target items. These results provide the foundation to train rats for scent-detection of illegally trafficked wildlife to combat IWT. The unique attributes of rats could allow them to complement existing screening technologies in the fight against IWT. Rats have low training and maintenance costs, flexibly work with multiple handlers, have a long lifespan, and a sophisticated sense of smell. Their small size also offers unique capabilities for the screening of shipping containers, such as being able to navigate densely packed areas or be lifted to assess contents of sealed containers by screening ventilation systems. Future directions include assessing operational feasibility of deploying rats at ports.

Impact National Strategic Program Transportation Sector On Export Performance In Indonesia

The study aims to identify the impact of transport infrastructure development policies on Indonesian export performance. The case on this study is the National Strategic Program (PSN) of the transport sector, which has begun to implemented in stages over time and between different locations since 2017. The study also compares the impact of policy between regions on Java Island and regions outside Java Island. By using the Callaway and Sant'Anna Difference-in-differences (CSDID) method, the study analysed the impact of policy interventions on the PSN province (province in which there is a PSN transport sector) compared to the Non PSN Province (Province in which there is no PSN Transport sector). The results of the study found that after the intervention of policy and the availability of international ports, the Province of PSN has a 33,9% higher export performance than the Non-PSN Province. The research also found that policy interventions had a significant impact partially in the region outside of Java. The research also found that policy interventions only partially had a significant impact in the region outside of Java, because the existence of policy intervention and the availability of international ports, the PSN Province outside Java Island had an export performance of 59,5% higher than the Non-PSN Province

Estimated Airline Compliance With Predeparture SARS-CoV-2 Testing for Passengers on Flights to the United States, January 2021 to June 2022.

In the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic, unprecedented public health measures were designed and implemented to mitigate the spread of SARS-CoV-2. On January 26, 2021, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) staff began daily audits of documents of arriving passengers at 18 US international ports of entry to ensure documentation of either a negative predeparture antigen or nucleic acid amplification test result for SARS-CoV-2 or recent recovery from COVID-19. This case study briefly describes the results of those audits. The CDC found a very low rate of issues overall. Of the 483,251 passengers selected for audit, 2,142 (0.44%) had issues with their COVID-19 test documentation and 1,182 (0.24%) provided documentation of recovery from COVID-19 rather than a negative test result. The low rate of issues noted during traveler audits indicated airlines were largely compliant with the order. However, the burden of SARS-CoV-2 infections within the United States was high during much of this period, which suggests that implementing a predeparture testing requirement earlier in the pandemic might have had more impact on spread. Digital solutions could reduce the burden of similar interventions in the future on airlines, public health authorities, and other partners.

Insights into the Global Characteristics of Shipping Exhaust Emissions at Berth

The need for an accurate inventory of ship emissions is vital for atmospheric scientists assessing the environmental impact of shipping and for policymakers aiming to regulate and incentivize emission reduction. This study used data from 189 international ports, related to ship arrivals and departures, to develop emissions inventories. Emission characteristics were examined in detail, classifying emissions by factors like ship type, month, and region. The analysis identified oil tankers and container ships as main emitters among ship categories. A detailed analysis of the monthly distribution of emissions from vessels at berth worldwide was conducted based on precise arrival and departure times. Singapore, Rotterdam, and Antwerp were the ports with the highest emissions from ships at berth. Overall, this study presents the spatial and temporal emission characteristics of ships at berth in 3912 ports around the world, which can support the development of emission reduction strategies in port management.

Maritime trade and economic development in North Korea

The North Korean economy is experiencing a deepening economic and political crisis since the early 1990s. Although North Korea is not commonly seen as a shipping nation, its major cities are coastal, and it hosts nine international trading ports. However, little is known about the role of maritime transport in its development. This article uses vessel movement data to reconstitute the maritime network linking North Korean ports and other ports, over the period 1977–2021. Besides the drastic connectivity loss, main results conclude about a limited role of maritime transport in economic development, except for its participation to China's increasing grip on North Korea. This research brings new knowledge about North Korea and contributes to advance maritime network studies in general.

Seasonal Variability of Biofouling Assemblages in the Largest International Port in Indonesia

Seasonal Variability of Biofouling Assemblages in the Largest International Port in Indonesia

Sustainable maritime legislation: The case of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code

Sustainable maritime legislation: The case of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code

Cyclic loading experiments and numerical analysis of laterally loaded piles constructed in marine soil

This study aims to thoroughly analyze the lateral loads that impact tubular steel piles, which are extensively employed in the construction of coastal structures. The ASTM D 3966 standard was followed for conducting field tests on test piles installed at the Mersin International Port. The “time-displacement” and “load-displacement” curves were obtained from the cyclic loading test of the laterally loaded piles at the construction site. The finite elements models of the tests conducted on the construction site with the same parameters was built to perform numerical analysis. At the end of the analysis, it was determined that the numerical model's results were highly consistent with those obtained from the field test. After verifying the field experiments with numerical models, a parametric study was conducted. Parametric studies were conducted to compare the lateral displacements of tubular steel piles with variations in pile diameter, wall thickness, and load application height effect. The relationship between pile head displacements and these parameters appears to be almost linear. It is noteworthy that a change of approximately 10 percent in these parameters shows a correlation with changes of up to 3 percent in deformations.

Analysis of Service Satisfaction Level at Batam Center International Port in Batam City Using the Fuzzy Mamdani Method

A port is defined as a facility and system where a port is a work environment consisting of a land and water area equipped with berthing and mooring facilities for ships, a place for loading and unloading, and boarding and disembarking passengers from one mode of sea transportation to another mode of transportation. In carrying out activities at the port, apart from providing sufficient facilities and equipment, quality services cannot be neglected. This research aims to analyze and determine how much influence the level of service provided has on the satisfaction response of ship passengers at the Batam Center International Port, Batam City. To carry out this research, the study used a literature review, observation, and distribution of questionnaires using a Likert scale and the Fuzzy Mamdani method. However, several challenges were encountered during the study. First, there was a difficulty in obtaining a representative sample of passengers due to the variability in passenger traffic and schedules. Second, the subjective nature of satisfaction measurement posed challenges in ensuring the accuracy and consistency of responses. Third, integrating the qualitative data from the Likert scale with the quantitative Fuzzy Mamdani method required careful handling to avoid misinterpretation The expected results from this research are the levels of satisfaction ship passengers feel regarding the dimensions of tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy. This will help determine whether passengers perceive themselves as satisfied or dissatisfied. Based on the analysis and discussion carried out with 50 respondents using the Likert scale method, the respondents stated that they were quite satisfied. This indicates that the Batam Center International Port, Batam City, is quite successful in providing satisfactory services to passengers. From the dimensions of reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, and tangibles, overall consumers feel quite satisfied, with an average satisfaction percentage of 71% (35.5 out of 50 respondents). Similarly, the results obtained from the Fuzzy Logic Mamdani method show an output value for consumer satisfaction of 150 (within a range of 50–250), indicating that the level of consumer satisfaction with the services provided by the Batam Center International Port, Batam City, is quite satisfactory

Environment and blue tourism: Moving towards sustainability—6th maritime tourism observatory for Skyros Island

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph; line-height: 120%; mso-pagination: none; layout-grid-mode: char; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-autospace: none; margin: 12.0pt 0cm 6.0pt 147.4pt;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Ports are some of the most significant entry points for Greek tourism investments and can be characterized as “development tools” for the country, both at the local and national level. The blue economy is a recent example of economic development, globally promoted as a way to achieve sustainability in maritime and coastal areas. Linaria Port has been accredited by the United Nations as “the blue port with a shade of green”</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: ZH-CN;">,</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 120%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> constituting an environmentally sustainable community capable of promoting responsible environmental behavior both within the local community and among tourists. The port has been highly competitive in achieving high sustainability standards and mainly operates in ways that complement environmental quality. It has presented innovative, competitive, and sustainable solutions since 2010. This research aimed to collect primary and secondary data on tourist preferences to evaluate these services. Evaluation was conducted through anonymous questionnaires divided into two parts: the first part concerned the tourist profile, and the second part concerned tourists’ opinions on the services and facilities of the port and the island. In the evaluation of the port, 91% of respondents rated the marina positively compared to other ports in the country, while 77% ranked the port of Skyros in a good position compared to other European or international ports. The overall quality of the tourist product was positively evaluated at 89%, while 90% of visitors were generally satisfied with the overall services offered. Moreover, 95% would return to Skyros within the next few years.</span></p>

국외 항만 물류 연구동향 분석

Purpose: This study collected and analyzed trends in port logistics research conducted abroad. The trend analysis results were compared with the trends in domestic port and port logistics research to examine the similarities and differences. Research design, data, and methodology: The analysis methods used are SLNA and NLP in parallel. The analysis period covered the literature on port logistics conducted abroad from 2000 to 2019. The literature was limited to peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, and review articles. One thousand and nineteen international documents were collected and finally classified. NLP analysis was conducted using the abstract data from these 1,019 documents. Results: The analysis revealed the top keywords: Container, Model, Development, Cost, Transport, Efficiency, and Maritime. The keywords related to economic studies, such as container terminals, models, and costs, were among the top keywords. The key research topics were analyzed through LDA analysis. The core research topics in international port logistics studies were identified as ‘port performance,’ ‘port issue,’ ‘port operation,’ ‘cargo transportation,’ ‘regional economy,’ and ‘port and shipping strategies.’ A comparison of domestic and international studies found that many foreign studies were conducted from an econometric perspective. Conclusions: Keywords, such as port performance and port operations, were actively studied in domestic and international port research.

Optimization of merchandise delivery logistics: case studies at Bejaia port

The object of the study is the logistics of goods delivery by ports. This study presents a methodology designed to improve the efficiency of goods delivery logistics at the Bejaia port (Algeria). It prioritizes the optimization of empty container allocation to the ZEP zone, taking into account the geographical accessibility of the Tixter area, aiming to reduce the high costs linked with goods transportation. At the core of this strategy lies the use of simulation techniques to optimize truck fleets, ensuring maximum utilization rates and effective management of delivery operations by the Bejaia Mediterranean Terminal (BMT) for its clients. Addressing this challenge, the study offers an exhaustive analysis, integrating truck assignment models and accessibility assessments of logistic zones. The results highlight the paramount significance of optimal resource allocation and synchronized client coordination for achieving streamlined goods delivery. It becomes apparent that employing these methodologies can yield substantial productivity improvements, emphasizing their pivotal role in strengthening the port's logistical infrastructure. Via rigorous analysis and insights derived from data, this study elucidates avenues towards achieving operational excellence within the logistical infrastructure of the port. By harnessing innovative strategies to confront persistent challenges, such as optimizing truck fleets and strategically allocating resources, the research anticipates a profound transformation in the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of goods delivery operations. Ultimately, the integration of these methodologies holds the potential to propel the port of Bejaia towards enduring success and a competitive edge in the ever-evolving landscape of global trade. Through extensive efforts, this strategy can be extended to other national and international ports operating under similar conditions, as it provides valuable information and methodologies to optimize logistics and transportation operations.

A Systematic understanding of the risk development process for port authority

Ports play a crucial role in the maritime transportation system but are also vulnerable to various risks. In the current complex and uncertain global market, characterized by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine War, climate change, and geopolitics, the development and operation of ports face increasing uncertainties and challenges. These factors have had a significant impact on maritime security worldwide. Previous studies on port risks have primarily focused on the operational phase of ports, lacking a comprehensive view of the whole lifecycle. Little effort has been made to explore the developmental process of risk events within the port environment, leading to a failure to distinguish the causes and results of risks from the risk events. In this study, a meta-case analysis method is employed to examine 208 port cases from 51 countries worldwide, revealing the developmental process of risk events across different phase of port. The innovative findings highlight the periodic pattern of port risks, the critical path of risk development, the unequal distribution of risk initiators and recipients, as well as the co-occurrence effects of various causes. The study provides insights into rethinking port risks and management strategies. It aims to assist international port authorities and researchers in developing a systematic understanding and management approach for risks throughout the whole lifecycle of ports.

Risk Analysis of Port Facility Security Based on the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS CODE)

Risk Analysis of Port Facility Security Based on the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS CODE)

The Correlation Between Asian Port Cities and Traditional Portuguese Urban Forms Based on Map and Machine Learning Analyses

In the 16th and 17th centuries, under the influence of the Portuguese Empire’s overseas expansion and cultural integration, the island city of Macau became an important international trading port in the Eastern Sea, with close ties to the Asian port cities governed by Portugal. This study introduces a new method for comparing urban morphological layouts using machine learning and investigates the potential benefits of combining urban morphological analysis with machine learning techniques. In addition, a combination of urban morphology theory and machine learning is used to excise samples of urban morphology from Portuguese urban geographical information maps. The morphological characteristics of port city areas are further extracted, and training labels for typical Portuguese urban textures are established. Using the YOLOv4 object detection algorithm, the results are compared with the urban textures of typical island and port cities of the Asian Silk Road—Goa in India, Malacca in Malaysia, Macau in China, and Dili in Timor-Leste—revealing the similarities and differences among the port cities in Asia influenced by traditional Portuguese urban practices. The results reveal the relationship between maritime trade and urban form.

Создание нового порта: фактор влияния на развитие транспортной логистики региона

The process of formation, construction and development of a new international port on a section of the river bank received from another country, which has direct access to the sea, is considered. The analysis of the advantageous location and favorable conditions for the creation of the port, including the conditions for entry into the port of sea and river vessels, the availability and accessibility of road, rail and air transport, is carried out. The created structure of the port is illustrated, as well as brief characteristics, capabilities and features of various port terminals for cargo transshipment and passenger transportation are considered. The organizational and technological experience in creating a logistics hub in the region was studied, taking into account the needs of producers, recipients and the characteristics of transport carriers, including the features of asset management. The analysis of indicators of the volume of transshipment of various cargoes was carried out, the main directions of the port's development in the near future were determined. In the process of studying the experience of creating port infrastructure, the created conditions for business development and investment attraction, the peculiarities of the tax and customs regime, as well as the distinctive features of the port's free economic zone from other similar territories are considered. Calculations of the availability of human resources in the port area and their attractiveness for transport companies are given. The process of development of the merchant fleet of the Republic of Moldova is analyzed, and the role of port infrastructure and transport logistics in the development of maritime activities of the state and the region as a whole is shown. A comparative analysis of the development of similar ports in the region was carried out according to the main indicators. Conclusions are drawn about the impact of the intensity of development of ports and transport logistics in the region on strengthening the state’s maritime potential, its infrastructure and trade.

Environment and blue tourism: Moving towards sustainability—6th maritime tourism observatory for Skyros Island

Ports are some of the most significant entry points for Greek tourism investments and can be characterized as “development tools” for the country, both at the local and national level. The blue economy is a recent example of economic development, globally promoted as a way to achieve sustainability in maritime and coastal areas. Linaria Port has been accredited by the United Nations as a “The blue port with a shade of green,” constituting an environmentally sustainable community capable of promoting responsible environmental behavior both within the local community and among tourists. The port has been highly competitive in achieving high sustainability standards and mainly operates in ways that complement environmental quality. It has presented innovative, competitive, and sustainable solutions since 2010. This research aimed to collect primary and secondary data on tourist preferences to evaluate these services. Evaluation was conducted through anonymous questionnaires divided into two parts: the first part concerned the tourist profile, and the second part concerned tourists’ opinions on the services and facilities of the Port and the island. In the evaluation of the port, 91% of respondents rated the marina positively compared to other ports in the country, while 77% ranked the port of Skyros in a good position compared to other European or international ports. The overall quality of the tourist product was positively evaluated at 89%, while 90% of visitors were generally satisfied with the overall services offered. Moreover, 95% would return to Skyros within the next years.

Transitioning a hydrogen facility from project to operations

Preparing any hazardous facility for transition from project to operations requires a rigorous management process. In the area of hydrogen operations, hazards are heightened and there are limited examples of transitioning a hydrogen facility from project to operations outside of large-scale oil refineries. This paper highlights the unique challenges of managing hydrogen process safety through the project to operate phase while maintaining safety standards that meet or exceed the expectations of the asset owner, regulator and the community in which we operate. Our experience transitioning hydrogen operations started in Queensland which has arguably the toughest engineering and safety standards in Australia. This experience has informed our methodologies and the important points of this paper detail for both owner and regulator, what to expect from the operator and what the operator will need to demonstrate compliance with. Hydrogen operations traditionally were on oil refineries which may have been in local communities, unlike remote upstream gas and oil projects far from the major populations. Refineries are typically close to transportation hubs and end users. Our experience is that hydrogen or hydrogen transport fluids such as ammonia, methylcyclohexane (MCH) and others are more likely to reside near major international ports with close access to both clean energy and available workforce which heightens the environmental, social, governance and community risk management requirements. This paper intends to inform regulators, owners and operators of the unique challenges and aspects of getting a hydrogen facility up and running in a safe and community sensitive way.

Evaluating the Sustainable Development Performance of China’s International Commercial Ports Based on Environmental, Social and Governance Elements

An environmental, social and governance (ESG) evaluation system can focus on the value of enterprises more comprehensively and better scrutinize the development premise of enterprise. As a novel investment concept, both domestic and foreign investors widely acknowledge the significance of ESG. With the implementation of “carbon peak”, “carbon neutral” and other national strategies, an increasing number of transportation enterprises in China’s international commercial ports have started to focus on the role of ESG evaluation. This not only facilitates self-examination and correction within enterprises but also helps in adjusting the strategic direction toward sustainable development. This shift toward ESG evaluation is crucial for promoting environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility within the transportation industry. In this regard, this study aims to evaluate the sustainable development performance of China’s international commercial ports based on ESG elements. A data envelopment analysis (DEA) is considered to be a non-parametric performance evaluation method that can effectively solve for multi-criteria decision-making units, so this study mainly selects the DEA model for the performance evaluation. This study conducted research to select eight benchmarking companies within the industry and found that efficient units excelled in their ability to complete capacity levels with high quality and quantity at ports. In contrast, less efficient units scored lower in the domain of social responsibility.

Establishment potential across South Korea for two gecko species, Gekko japonicus and G. swinhonis, adapted to different climates

The introduction of exotic species and the associated impacts are increasing worldwide due to the development and increase in transportation and international trade. As new populations of the non-native Gekko japonicus and G. swinhonis have recently been discovered in South Korea, this study was conducted to investigate the distribution of these species, evaluate the establishment potential of non-native populations and infer their routes of introduction. The study comprised targeted field surveys around the major international ports, generation of ecological niche models (ENMs), based on the known distributions and comparison of the ecological niches of the two species. The results suggest that G. japonicus and G. swinhonis are primarily distributed in the humid subtropical climate (Cfa) and the monsoon-influenced hot-summer humid continental climate (Dwa), respectively. According to the ENMs predicted across South Korea, suitable habitats for G. japonicus were located along the western and southern coasts of the country, whereas those for G. swinhonis were predicted along the western coastal regions and several major cities inland. These distributional patterns may be attributed to adaptations of the two gecko congeners to distinct climatic conditions leading to divergent ecological niches. Considering the known distributions of the two species in South Korea, the most likely routes of introduction are accidental translocations through international trade and the inland populations most likely originated from human-mediated dispersals along the major rivers. This study highlights the need to implement quarantine procedures for international cargo arriving in South Korea. Additional field surveys are further recommended to focus on urban areas adjacent to international ports and major rivers to curtail further introductions of non-native geckos.