International Transport Research Articles

Influence of Transport Process Management on Exceeding Permitted Load Weights in Transport Companies

Poland is the leader in the performance of international transport in the EU, serving more than half of its market. The most common branch of transport is road transport, predominantly heavy goods transport, which contributes to the strain on road infrastructure. Furthermore, around one-fifth of those vehicles may exceed the permissible total mass. In this respect, the increasing demand for road transport further complicates the slowdown and prevention of road network degradation. Overloads have significant consequences for road infrastructure, economics, and traffic safety. Load management in transport companies is crucial for eliminating overloads. This article aims to assess how companies conducting freight transport manage the cargo weighing process in the context of potential overloads. Data from a survey among transport industry companies in Poland were analysed. Using non-parametric U Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, the influence between propensity for cargo overloading and the method of cargo weighing was examined. The results indicated that the propensity for cargo overloading in TSL industry companies is significantly associated with both the occurrence of the weighing process and its method, as well as the responsibility for this process among individual participants in the transport process.

Carbon Pricing for International Shipping and Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanisms: A Case for Regulatory Cooperation

Carbon Pricing for International Shipping and Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanisms: A Case for Regulatory Cooperation

How environmental data enables intelligent navigation: Factors assessment of affecting the navigation in the Northeast Arctic Route

Due to the more favorable navigational environment and higher safety along Northeast Arctic Route, this route is being used more and more frequently for international shipping. In this research, the factor analysis method is applied to assess the navigational environment of each sea area in the Northeast Arctic Route, revealing the effects of Arctic navigation influence factor on the navigational environment, and analyzing the change trend of the navigational environment of different sea areas in different seasons. Further, the effects of multiple factors on the number of voyages are discussed through multiple stepwise regression model, including the navigational environment score, geopolitical risk, export & import trade and the probability of pollution accidents, then the Interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) method combined with seasonal decomposition is explored the effect of emergencies on the number of voyages on the Northeast Arctic Route. The number of voyages on the Northeast Arctic Route has been altered to varying degrees by the occurrence of various emergencies. Further, the Yamal LNG project and the Russian-Ukrainian conflict have a significant effect on the number of voyages, while the Covid-19 epidemic has a lesser effect on the number of voyages.

Risks of Institutionalization of the Central Asia-China Format for Solidarity and Political Trust in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

The article considers the risks of institutionalizing the format of the Central Asia-China dialogue («C+C5») for solidarity and mutual political trust within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). According to the documents, institutionalization is aimed at transforming the «C+C5» format into a full-fledged international intergovernmental organization with functions that duplicate the existing ones within the SCO. In the current official documents, Russia declares the importance of SCO development and assigns it a special role in the implementation of the «Turn to the East» Policy, the development of the «Greater Eurasian Partnership », and the deployment of the project of «the North-South International Transport Corridor». In this regard, further institutionalization of the «C+C5» format may create restrictions for the realization of these Russian plans and even for the protection of interests in the Central Asian region (CAR). This circumstance, coupled with the active attempts of the West and the United States to force a number of CAR countries to refuse Russia’s assistance in circumventing the sanctions regime is unlikely to be understood in Moscow. This means that it is necessary to think about the ways to overcome the likely limitations by deepening the dialogue with China on the issues of further development of the SCO and increasing its effectiveness. The plans to institutionalize the «C+C5» format may also cause increased opposition from other major global «players» such as the United States, India, the EU and Japan, which have been actively involved in Central Asian Affairs in recent years, developing formats for dialogue between «1 + C5» (CAR countries).

ВПЛИВ ВІЙНИ НА МІЖНАРОДНІ ТРАНСПОРТНІ ПЕРЕВЕЗЕННЯ УКРАЇНИ

The article found that the full-scale war in Ukraine had a strong impact on international transportation. The structure of the volume of cargo transportation and the number of transported passengers were analyzed. It was determined that there is uncertainty in the market of international freight transportation of Ukraine during the studied period. On the one hand, the war had a negative impact on the country's economy and led to a decrease in the volume of cargo transportation. On the other hand, Ukraine is an important transit country through which key logistics routes connecting Europe and Asia pass. It was established that the blocking of air transport and sea trade, with the exception of the "Grain Initiative", led to a radical change in the structure of domestic import/export and the leadership of land corridors. Global transformations in world trade caused by the war in Ukraine also affected the configuration of existing supply chains, Ukrainian exports were completely reoriented towards the EU. It is indicated that Ukraine's signing of an agreement on visa-free transport cooperation with the European Union has opened up new prospects for bilateral international road transport, freeing Ukrainian carriers from the need to obtain permits for flights to EU countries. However, there are also negative trends that affect the growth of transport services and, as a result, decrease the competitiveness of transport companies. A list of legislative and regulatory innovations and organizational measures aimed at improving international transportation is given. It is argued that a successful solution for the recovery of the country will be the integration of the Ukrainian economy into the EU economic system with the help of various European logistics and infrastructure projects. It was determined that the key factors in the normalization of transportation were: the conclusion of the "Grain Initiative" with the UN and Turkey, which allowed to unblock the ports of Great Odesa; signing the Agreement on the Liberalization of Road Freight Transportation with the EU; development of border infrastructure, in particular, increasing the capacity of existing road and railway checkpoints, as well as the opening of new ones; increasing cargo handling in the ports of the Danube port cluster.

Основные предвестники формирования общепринятых практик осуществления мультимодальных перевозок

The article provides an overview of the history of the emergence of containers, within the framework of such a phenomenon as the container revolution, and also analyzes the modern potential of large transport and logistics infrastructure facilities, as a result and result of the container development trend. As part of the review of the development of modern trends in multimodal transportation, the issue of containerization is quite important, because today a container is not only an equipment for cargo transportation, but also an integral part of the supply chain, and is also able to significantly influence the formation of market tariffs for cargo transportation. Containerization of cargo transportation contributed to the formation of a modern transport and logistics paradigm in the context of international transportation, and also influenced the evolution of existing types of vehicles and special equipment, adapting them to mass transportation of metal containers. Over the history of its existence and development, containers have been adapted for the transportation of a wide variety of types of cargo from dangerous and temperature to bulk and bulk. In this article, within the framework of the calculation unit for assessing the potential of the modern global transport and logistics system, an analysis of the capacity of the largest marine infrastructure facilities - seaports is used, since it was with sea transportation that the containerization process began.

The Global South Air transport Belt: A catalyst for sustainable tourism and economic growth

This paper explores specific technical dimensions of a Global South Air Transport Belt concept, emphasizing international air transport's pivotal role in fostering global trade, stimulating tourism, promoting people-to-people exchange, and enhancing supply chain efficiency. A notable disparity exists between the air transport infrastructures of the Global North and the Global South. Furthermore, the Carbon Offset Scheme for International Aviation poses an obstacle to the air transport advancement in developing nations. This market-based initiative, designed to cap aviation emissions from 2020, has the potential to impede the actual international network connections expansion in developing countries. As an alternative, this paper advocates for the adoption of operational measures, the utilization of sustainable aviation fuels, and the implementation of technological advancements. This strategy aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The paper highlights the potential for sustainable development through the air transport infrastructure expansion in developing countries, focusing particularly on the BRICS nations. Creating a cohesive Global South Air Transport Belt will facilitate the growth of tourism and foster economic development across the participating nations. Such an initiative seeks a sustainable pathway toward inclusive economic growth and social progress for humanity.

Harmonising liability: exploring carrier responsibilities in transportation contracts and their application to autonomous vehicle services under the UAE Law

ABSTRACT This article introduces the challenges presented in establishing governance of autonomous vehicles, dealing with questions of liability, where domestic law needs to cohere with international transport conventions, Islamic jurisprudence, Supreme Court jurisprudence, and technical safety standards. The primary objective of the article is to assess the applicability of established legal norms governing carrier liability in traditional road transport contracts in the United Arab Emirates. These legal tenets, rooted in Islamic jurisprudence and drawn from historical sources such as the ‘Al-Ahkam Al-Adliya Journal,’ constitute the foundation of civil law in numerous Arab countries, including the Arab Gulf States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and others. Melding legal and technical perspectives, this study provides legal insights for judges, arbitrators, and legal practitioners, and offers solutions to the liability challenges that may arise when autonomous vehicles begin operating on UAE streets or any other Arab country.

Ammonia Sprays for Combustion: A Review

Ammonia is a globally transported chemical used for a variety of applications, most notably, the production of fertiliser. Over the past decade, attention has been afforded to the use of ammonia as an energy carrier, coupling global supply of renewable energy to demand regions. Ammonia’s advantages as an energy carrier include its ease of liquefaction and established international transportation routes; overcoming its low reactivity, excessive production of nitrogen oxides and its toxicity remain as challenges. For energy applications, fuel delivery is a critical aspect of effective combustion in boilers, burners and engines. Due to its adaptable phase change characteristics, ammonia fuel may be injected as a liquid or vapour, each with respective advantages or disadvantages. The focus of this review concerns the characterisation of liquid ammonia fuel injection for combustion, including recent research findings from experimental and simulation studies. Liquid ammonia injection can result in the highly dynamic so-called ‘flashing’ or ‘flash boiling’ phenomena. Research findings have been drawn from other related applications such as accidental hazardous releases. Bespoke optical experimental rigs together with diagnostic techniques and two-phase computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations have enabled studies of the flashing jets under various initial or final conditions, with recent work also examining ammonia spray combustion. The review concludes with an insight into future trends and requirements for liquid ammonia combustion. Reciprocating engines for marine propulsion are cited as potential early adopters of ammonia energy.

EXAMINING THE EFFICIENCY OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL RAILWAY FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION DURING A SPECIFIC TIME PERIOD

The aim of this study is to determine the efficiency values of the Republic of Turkey State Railways (TCDD) in national and international freight transportation between 2010 and 2019. Additionally, the study aims to identify the years in which the company operated more efficiently, process this information, and provide reference years and recommendations to relevant institutions.Since railway investment costs are very high, the efficient use of resources is of great importance. This study is significant in terms of guiding the efficient use of railway resources. Moreover, the use of different input and output variables over a specific time period distinguishes this study from other scientific research, as it incorporates both national and international data. For efficiency measurement, output (tonne-kilometres) and input variables (amount of freight transported, main line length, and number of freight wagons) were used, following the relevant literature. The data used in the research were obtained from the activity reports of TCDD and the Turkish Statistical Institute. DEAP (Data Envelopment Analysis Program) software, based on Productivity Time Analysis, was used to analyze the research data. As a result, the average efficiency in national railway freight transport decreased by 1.8%, while the average efficiency in international railway freight transport decreased by 22.4%. The reference year for both types of transport was 2010. Although efficiency in international railway freight transport showed partial improvement in certain years, it generally exhibited a continuous downward trend.

The Impact of Anchoring on Seafloor Integrity: An Integrated Assessment within a Major Bunkering Area of the Maltese Islands

International shipping is a fundamental component of the global economy. As the industry expands, the demand for high-capacity vessels increases, raising concerns about their impact on the marine environment. While awaiting access to port facilities, vessels often anchor to save fuel and prevent drifting, but this practice is a significant cause of mechanical disturbance to the seafloor and benthic habitats. Identifying and quantifying anchoring pressure is essential for better managing and mitigating the damage to the seafloor. The Automatic Identification System (AIS) can be utilized to assess anchoring pressure by transmitting vessel information (e.g., position, type and size) to other vessels and coastal stations. This research evaluates anchoring pressure in a strategically located bunkering area around the Maltese Islands using AIS data collected from an antenna at the University of Malta. An arbitrary index was developed to determine anchoring pressure, and the AIS data was used to create GIS maps showing the location and size of vessels within the bunkering area, as well as plots depicting anchoring pressure by vessel type, seasonality, and density. This study serves as a blueprint for future assessments of anchoring pressures from various maritime activities in other areas around the Maltese Islands and provides a decision support tool for national policy-making related to Descriptor 6 (Seafloor Integrity) of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), the Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (MSPD), and the management plan for Sites of Community Interest (SCI) and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

TRANSPORT SYSTEMS AS ESSENTIAL PART OF GOVERNMENT POLICY

The paper discusses the significance of transport systems as a crucial compone nt of public policy in the majority of countries worldwide. Transport policy aims to achieve various objectives, including promoting economic growth, enhancing accessibility, improving safety, reducing environmental impacts, and promoting social equity. A significant aspect is the substantial funding required to construct and maintain transportation infrastructure, includin g roadways, railway tracks, airports, harbors, and publictransportation systems.Special emphasis is placed on international transport corridors such as the Trans-Caspia n International Transportation Route, which complements the Chinese Belt and Road initiative and presents new opportunities for trade between China and European nations. The paper emphasize s the importance of collaboration between different levels of government and internationa l stakeholders to address cross-border transportation challenges and harmonize regulations. The authors also discuss the role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in the development of regional transportation infrastructure and logistics. They highlight key issues such as outdate d infrastructure, high transportation costs, low efficiency, and the need for increased transit capacity. Additionally, they discuss other international initiatives, such as the Eurasian Economic Union and Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation that aim to improve regional connectivity and facilitate trade.In conclusion, they emphasize the importance of strategic planning and investment in transportation systems to promote sustainable economic growth and enhance transportation links between Central Asian countries and other regions of the world.

Nuancing Maritime Security Governance in The Straits of Malacca: A Comparative Analysis on Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore

Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore are littoral states of the Straits of Malacca (SOM), the world’s busiest waterway connecting the Indian and Pacific oceans, with around 80,000 ships passing through this route annually. While maritime security governance of this waterway is a serious concern especially to those states, their responses to it has differed particularly in regard to three security mechanisms: the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), the Malacca Straits Patrol (MSP), and the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP). The states’ approaches can be viewed primarily through the lens of sovereign interests, economic interests, and legal obligations. In addition, the role of institutions appears as an intervening factor influencing their responses. This article first analyses maritime security governance and examines why it has garnered much attention in contemporary international relations. Second, it assesses the importance of the SOM as a strategic location, a critical trading route since ancient times, as well as the value it holds for international shipping. Third, it examines the littoral states’ responses to maritime security governance, focusing on the factors influencing them. The article finds that their responses to external power security initiatives differ compared to the indigenous security mechanism in the SOM. Despite that, the underlying theme among the three states is to uphold their obligations as coastal states as provided under UNCLOS and in cooperating with each other and international users, though several caveats do seem to also apply.

Оценка предложений по формированию сети альтернативных маршрутов следования коридора «Север — Юг»

Purpose: to develop proposals for the development of the expected growth in traffic volumes along the North–South transport corridor. To assess the capacity of the Upper Baskunchak — Astrakhan — Olya port section as the most heavily loaded, where cargo flows from several directions merge. To show the need to unload the main direction of the North-South corridor and form a network of alternative routes in the transport corridor to ensure transportation guarantees in case of force majeure. Consider the possibility of attracting parallel routes through the North Caucasus Railway (SKZHD). Methods: the calculation of throughput was carried out using the methodology used in JSC “Russian Railways” and the author’s proposals, taking into account additional reserves of throughput. General logical methods were used — quantitative and qualitative analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, analogies, classifications, a combination of historical and logical analyses. The proposed universal algorithm, which makes it possible to evaluate the possibility of choosing parallel moves, can be recommended for practical use. Results: the maximum number of trains that can be redirected to parallel routes has been established, taking into account the available capacity and their workload with export cargo traffic in the direction of the ports of the Azov-Black Sea basin. The relevance of the direction of development of heavy traffic aimed at reducing the required capacity and reducing inter-train intervals to increase the available capacity is shown. A universal algorithm has been formed that allows evaluating the possibility of choosing parallel moves. Practical significance: the necessity of mastering the expected cargo flow and preventing its departure to competing destinations, for example, through the Suez Canal, is shown. In the current political and economic conditions, the North — South International Transport Corridor (ITC) is changing its status: from an alternative to the Suez Canal, it is becoming one of the priority routes for Russian export cargo traffic.

Prospects for further development of logistics and trade in Central Asian Countries

This paper examines the conditions of foreign trade of the Central Asian countries and their impact on economic growth. Currently, the transport corridors of Central Asia are at the peak of their demand. The current positive changes and achievements of the region are considered. Attention is drawn to the geopolitical trends that create conditions for the development of alternative transport corridors and infrastructure projects. Special attention is paid to improving transport connectivity. It is proposed to develop transit and transport potential and increase the production of finished products. The comprehensive analysis carried out in this work allows us to take a broader look at the potential of the region and propose measures for its full development. Due to the growing role of Central Asia in the international arena, this paper also examines the impact of foreign policy on the development of the region’s economy. The strategic location of Central Asia between China, Russia, Iran and other countries makes the region an important partner in international trade and transport links. The paper analyses the current positive developments in the region, such as the creation of new transport corridors, the development of logistics infrastructure and the strengthening of trade relations with other countries. Special attention is paid to projects for the development of regional integration and economic unions, which contribute to improving competitiveness and economic stability in Central Asia.

Potential for the Development of International Transport Corridors in Current Market Conditions

This research is devoted to the prospects for the development of international transport corridors (ITC) through the prism of the dynamics of market forces in the transport industry and world trade. International logistics is currently undergoing a global transformation, and therefore the effective use by Russia of its transport potential is still the most urgent and practical task. In this regard, this research is focused on internal and external factors that influence the realization of this potential. The research presents the factors that contributed in retrospect for more than 10 years to the dynamic development of freight transportation through the ITC “East – West”. Additionally, the impact of exogenous factors such as epidemiological restrictions on a global scale and economic sanctions against Russia on the logistics of container transportation in recent years is considered in more detail. On the basis of a retrospective analysis of the development of cargo transportation through the ITC “East – West” generalized conditions are formulated that allow to assess the potential for the development of transport cargo fl ows on other key ITC. An analysis of the current dynamics and problems of the development of transportation along the corridors East – West, Northern Sea Route and North-South is carried out. Further prospects for their increase from the point of view of transport marketing is provided. Among the conclusions, the importance of developing and expanding the infrastructure of the ITC “East – West”, as well as proposals for the intensifi cation of cargo transportation through other ITC, is highlighted.

Toward green container liner shipping: joint optimization of heterogeneous fleet deployment, speed optimization, and fuel bunkering

AbstractContainer liner shipping companies, under the international shipping carbon reduction indicators proposed by the International Maritime Organization, must transform two key aspects: technology and operations. This paper defines a green liner shipping problem (GLSP) that integrates the deployment of a heterogeneous fleet, speed determination, and fuel bunkering. The objective is to achieve low‐carbon operations in liner shipping, taking into consideration the diversification of power systems, the use of alternative fuels in ships, and the continuous improvement of alternative fuel bunkering systems. For this purpose, we present a bi‐objective mixed integer nonlinear programming model and develop two methodologies: an epsilon‐constraint approach and a heuristic‐based multi‐objective genetic algorithm. We validate the effectiveness of our model and methods through a case study involving container ships of various sizes deployed on intra‐Asian short sea routes by SITC International Holdings Co., Ltd. The experimental results highlight the crucial role of dual‐fuel (DF) ships in the pursuit of low‐carbon strategies by liner companies, with liquefied natural gas and ammonia DF ships being the most widely used. Additionally, fuel cell (FC) ships, particularly those powered by ammonia and hydrogen, demonstrate significant carbon reduction potential. Furthermore, ships with larger container capacities have a greater cost advantage. For the GLSP, speed determination is an auxiliary decision, and the lowest speed is not necessarily the optimal choice. Decision‐makers must carefully balance competing economic and carbon emission reduction objectives, as deploying more alternative fuel ships may increase fuel bunkering and fuel consumption, resulting in a higher total operating cost.

НОВЫЕ ПОРТЫ И ТРАНСПОРТНЫЕ УЗЛЫ ПРИМОРЬЯ В ПЛАНАХ РЕГИОНАЛЬНОГО РУКОВОДСТВА ПЕРВОЙ ПОЛОВИНЫ 1990-х гг.

Based on archival materials, the article examines plans for the construction of new ports, as well as related transport hubs and transit corridors in Primorsky Krai in the first half of the 1990s. The author analyzes the prerequisites for theemergence of the idea to incorporate the ports of Khasansky and Shkotovsky districts into the international transport network, the motives for the participationof government bodies and businesses in preparing proposals for the modernization of transport infrastructure of the region. Particular attention is paid to the factors that determined the impossibility of implementing these plans in the 1990s.

Life cycle assessment of iron ore in Brazil: The importance of system boundaries

This study adopts life cycle analysis tools to estimate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Brazil's iron ore sector. It is based on the assumption that when commodities are extracted strictly for export, ignoring the impacts of logistics might undervalue these products’ contribution to climate change. Therefore, we calculate the emissions associated with land use change, mining, ore processing, pelletisation, land transport, and international shipping. Iron ore is used as the case study because it is the most traded metal in the global market. This research is grounded in secondary data obtained from public databases of Brazilian agencies for the 2016–2020 period. When reliable information is unavailable, the Ecoinvent database is used and adjusted for the Brazilian context. This study evaluates the emissions of one tonne of iron ore and pellets. Estimates indicate that deforestation/land use, mining and processing, domestic transport, pellet production, and international shipping represent 9 %, 38 %, 11 %, 13 %, and 29 % of the GHG emissions of Brazil's iron ore sector, respectively.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE GLOBAL AIR TRANSPORTATION MARKET IN CONDITIONS OF TURBULENCE

The purpose of the article is to develop and substantiate the strategic priorities of international cooperation of air transport enterprises of Ukraine in war and post-war times based on the study of turbulence factors affecting the activity of the global air transport market, as well as the analysis of the strategic development of the world's largest airlines in crisis conditions. The methodological basis of the research is scientific theories of economic cycles and crises, theories of market equilibrium, theories of market structures, theories of cooperation and integration. Both general scientific and special methods of scientific knowledge were used – historical-logical, descriptive-analytical, analysis and synthesis, methods of quantitative and qualitative comparisons. The informational basis of the article is monographic studies and periodical publications of Ukrainian and foreign economists, analytical reports of international aviation organizations, international consulting companies and analytical centres. The article examines the essence, structure and modern trends in the development of the global air transport market. Turbulence factors affecting the dynamics of air transport are identified and justified, including geopolitical instability, economic downturns, rising fuel prices, pandemics, technological innovations etc. The impact of crises on international air transportation was assessed, and the peculiarities of the regulation of the world air market were considered. The role of global strategic alliances in the formation of the world market of air transportation is determined, it is established that international cooperation of air transport enterprises allows to increase the market share. The results of the research made it possible to justify the strategic priorities of international cooperation of air transport enterprises of Ukraine in war and post-war times. Research results can be used for scientific justification and further creation of proper conditions for the effective functioning of the global air transport market, as well as in the development of new strategies for air transport enterprises of Ukraine, which will allow them to remain stable and competitive in conditions of uncertainty and growing threats.