Maritime Supply Chain Research Articles

Comparing flexibility-based measures during different disruptions: evidence from maritime supply chains

PurposeSevere disruptions to maritime supply chains, including port closures, congestion and shortages in shipping capacity, have occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper’s purpose is to explore flexibility-based countermeasures that enable actors in maritime supply chains to mitigate the effects of disruptions with different characteristics.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were conducted with shipping lines, shippers, forwarders and ports. Data on the COVID-19 pandemic's effects and countermeasures were collected and compared with data regarding the 2016–2017 Gothenburg port conflict.FindingsSpatial, capacity, service and temporal flexibility emerged as the primary countermeasures, whilst important characteristics of disruptions were geographical spread, duration, uncertainty, criticality, the element of surprise and intensity. Spatial flexibility was exercised in both disruptions by switching to alternative ports. During the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring capacity flexibility included first removing and then adding vessels. Shipping lines exercising service flexibility prioritised certain cargo, which made the spot market uncertain and reduced flexibility for forwarders, importers and exporters that changed carriers or traffic modes. Experience with disruptions meant less surprise and better preparation for spatial flexibility.Practical implicationsUnderstanding how actors in maritime supply chains exercise flexibility-based countermeasures amid disruptions with different characteristics can support preparedness for coming disruptions.Originality/valueComparing flexibility-based measures in a pandemic versus port conflict provides insights into the important characteristics of disruptions and the relevance of mitigation strategies. The resilience of maritime supply chains, although underexamined compared with manufacturing supply chains, is essential for maintaining global supply chain flows.

Transformasi Kebijakan Maritim dalam Era Digital: Peran Teknologi dalam Meningkatkan Efektivitas dan Keamanan Lautan di Indonesia

Abstract: Indonesia's maritime potential holds a significant position in the country's economy, considering Indonesia's status as an archipelagic country with several ports and sea routes which have a strategic position because Indonesia is located between two continents and two oceans, namely Asia and Australia Continents, and, Indian and the Pacific Oceans. As much as 40% of world trade routes also pass through Indonesia. However, the challenge faced by Indonesia in utilizing its potential is that maritime effectiveness and security are still low. Therefore, the transformation of maritime policy in the digital era is important to increase maritime effectiveness and security in Indonesia. Transforming maritime policy in the digital era can help improve port connectivity, increase maritime supply chain efficiency, and strengthen maritime security systems. This research will use a mixed methodology that includes literature analysis and policy analysis to explain the role of technology in increasing maritime effectiveness and security in Indonesia in the digital era. This writing concluded that the transformation of maritime policy in the digital era can have a significant impact on real-world security and cyber security. However, there are obstacles that need to be overcome so that the use of technology in maritime policy can be carried out effectively and efficiently. Therefore, more serious, and integrated efforts are needed from the government and society to overcome these obstacles and ensure that the transformation of maritime policy in the digital era can provide optimal benefits for the security and defense of maritime areas as well as cyber security in Indonesia. Keywords: maritime policy, transformation, digital era, real-life security, cyber-security

Competition effects of vertical integration in container ports: assessing the European Commission decisional practice

PurposeContainer liner shipping companies started expanding their business by investing in container port terminals in the late 1990s. This market entry results in an extensive presence of vertically integrated liners and terminals. This study aims to explore the competition effects of this vertical integration trend based on a regional (European) analysis. In particular, it extracts lessons from the European Commission (EC) cases on the competition effects of vertical integration. The critical analysis of the cases examined at the institutional level intends to reach conclusions on whether liner–terminal vertical integration harmed or advanced competition in the relevant markets and/or the extent that there is a need to revise the current policy practices.Design/methodology/approachThis study critically assesses the EC’s decisional practices in port container terminal vertical mergers in the last 25 years (1997–2021). Based on a literature review comparing maritime and competition economists' perspectives, it reviews the types of mergers examined, the methodology followed for relevant market definition and calculation of market shares and the estimated competition effects. The Hamburg–Le Havre area is the port range used as a case study for comparing the decisional practice with actual market developments. These container ports serve the greatest consuming market of final and intermediate goods in Europe and are gateways to Central and Eastern Europe.FindingsThe assessment identifies a need for expanding the investigation as a precondition for reaching conclusions on both the anti- and pro-competitive effects. First, only a limited number of transactions have been notified to the EC. Second, the empirical research identified a gap in this process, as there were no decisions (phase I) on vertical mergers between 2008 and 2016. Third, the exante assessment has not applied a phase II in-depth analysis to any case due to the absence of competition concerns. Finally, due to the absence of complaints, there is a lack of any ex post assessment of the effects of vertical integration.Research limitations/implicationsThis assessment is important for understanding the current and emerging features of intra-port and inter-port competition and the potential effects that the continuation and expansion of liner companies' vertical integration strategies will have along maritime supply chains. It also contributes to the broader discussion on liner companies' strategies, such as the research and policy-making efforts around the globe to understand the impact of both vertical and horizontal integration.Practical implicationsThese discussions are critical for a diversity of businesses that use liner shipping services or provide facilities and services to container shipping lines or ports. They are important for the interests of customers and consumers as they could inform any needed re-visiting of competition policy to protect from the dominance of any market developments that would lead to conditions limiting competition. Expanding analysis on the competition effects of non-notified mergers would help a better understanding of market changes.Social implicationsEnhancing competition and limiting monopolies is valuable from a consumer's perspective. This is more so in the case of maritime trade that serves the needs of societies. The study contributes by generating a better understanding of how decision-makers have worked towards that direction and what realignments are worthy.Originality/valueThere are no previous comprehensive reviews and analyses of the ways that policy-makers at the regional level have addressed the competition effects of vertical integration strategies of liner shipping companies when enhancing competition is valuable from a consumer perspective. Comparing maritime economists and competition, the study, via its literature review, also offers a comparison of maritime and competition perspectives on these competition effects, allowing positioning of how effective decisional-making practices have been.

Implementing Vital Dynamic Capabilities to Succeed in Digital Transformation: A Multiple-Case Study in Maritime Container Shipping

Dynamic capabilities (DCs) were found to be a success factor in maritime container shipping (MCS) regarding the volatile future, leading to competitive advantages in digital transformation (DT) efforts. Despite its relevance, it remains unclear which DCs are vital for incumbent maritime organizations to succeed in DT and how DCs need to be implemented to enable DT. Referring to this research gap, this article is the first to empirically classify digital sensing, seizing, and transforming capabilities and uncover antecedents relevant to these capabilities. Thereby, we initially combine the DCs view with DT efforts in MCS, providing valuable insights for decision-makers in port authorities, carriers, and freight forwarders. Answers were sought through a cross-case analysis involving 26 experts along the maritime supply chain. The findings highlight strategic agility, innovation ecosystems, and the redesign of organizational structures the most vital second-order concepts for succeeding in DT in MCS. Implementing the identified DCs in MCS is of considerable strategic relevance, advancing the transformation of MCS into a digitalized, efficient, and sustainable industry that preliminary provides service-based offers to its customers. Consequently, this article presents a strategic basis for adapting DT roadmaps and investments in MCS, preparing incumbent MCS organizations for the digital future.

Applications of AI/ML in Maritime Cyber Supply Chains

Digital transformation is a new trend that describes enterprise efforts in transitioning manual and likely outdated processes and activities to digital formats dominated by the extensive use of Industry 4.0 elements, including the pervasive use of cyber-physical systems to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and increase responsiveness. A new domain that intersects supply chain management and cybersecurity emerges as many processes as possible of the enterprise require the convergence and synchronizing of resources and information flows in data-driven environments to support planning and execution activities. Protecting the information becomes imperative as big data flows must be parsed and translated into actions requiring speed and accuracy. Machine learning and artificial intelligence have become critical in supporting extensive data collection and real-time processing to assist decision-makers in configuring scarce resources. In this paper, we present four different applications that investigate issues related to the broader maritime supply chain security domain affecting the planning, execution, and performance of complex systems while exploring novel frontiers in cyber research and education. This paper will focus on Machine Learning and AI applications on Unmanned Aerial Systems and Cryptography related to Cybersecurity in Maritimes and Shipbuilding Spheres.

Non-cooperative and Nash-bargaining game of a two-parallel maritime supply chain considering government subsidy and forwarder's CSR strategy: A dynamic perspective

In recent years, sustainable and environmental issues have increasingly raised concerns of the government and enterprises. Motivated by the environmental regulations of IMO and shippers' green preferences, new energy vessels (NEV) have been developed, and there are still many traditional fuel vessels (TFV) providing maritime transport services. Considering the reality of the shipping market, a two-parallel maritime supply chain (MSC) involving a NEV carrier, a TFV carrier, and a freight forwarder with corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been constituted. The government may encourage the NEV carrier to make green innovation (GI) by providing subsidies. Most existing research on supply chain decisions considered different supply chain power structures or coordination issues and assumed that enterprises are entirely rational. However, in practice, bargaining games between stakeholders are common. Consequently, non-cooperative game (NCG), two types of Nash-bargaining game, i.e. horizontal Nash-bargaining game (HNBG) and vertical Nash-bargaining game (VNBG) are formulated in this paper. Based on bounded rationality, we investigate the dynamic price and GI adjustment strategies of MSC participants under government subsidy (GS) and freight forwarder's CSR (FCSR) with three game patterns. Furthermore, the impacts of adjustment parameters, GS, and FCSR on equilibrium strategies and expected profits are also explored. Setting NCG as the benchmark case, we uncovered that both HNBG and VNBG help improve the NEV carrier's equilibrium green innovation level (GIL), and HNBG (VNBG) raises (lowers) equilibrium prices of two carriers (freight prices and selling prices). In addition, HNBG (VNBG) can stabilize the adjustment of GI (freight prices and selling prices). For all MSC participants, excessive adjustment strategies harm robust revenues. We also found that GS and FCSR have different impacts on the dynamic decision-makings. When adjustment parameters are in their stable regions, GS always benefits the NEV carrier and the freight forwarder. But the impact of GS on the TFV's revenues may be related to the intensity of FCSR. Moreover, the effect of FCSR on stakeholders' expected profits depends on the choice of game pattern. Finally, we revealed that the TFV carrier's CSR-sharing behavior helps improve the stability of the MSC dynamic decisions and promotes the mutual benefit of MSC participants.

Digital information in maritime supply chains with blockchain and cloud platforms: Supply chain capabilities, barriers, and research opportunities

Digital transformation plays a key role in improving information sharing and information processing in supply chains. Specifically, maritime supply chains require numerous data and document exchanges and can significantly benefit from digital information sharing (DIS). This notable potential has attracted attention and has resulted in a growing number of studies on blockchain platforms, cloud-based platforms, and other digital technology platforms. However, DIS adoption and execution is a complex process as it depends on various success factors and barriers and affects numerous capabilities and performance outcomes. Moreover, various information systems and management theories can be utilised to underpin these relationships. Our study aims to conduct a systematic literature review that uncovers dynamic capabilities, barriers, enablers and outcomes of DIS with blockchain and cloud-based platforms, illustrates the relationship between them, and discloses methods and theories applied in supply chains. We discuss different use cases of blockchain and cloud-based platforms for DIS in various business functions in supply chains. Particularly, we reveal six DIS-powered capabilities, five performance outcomes improved by the DIS, eight main barriers, and nine enablers of DIS implementation. The lack of theoretical underpinning and causal empirical studies is identified as an important gap in the literature. This study also presents precise future research directions that can help address these gaps.

Cooperation and investment decisions of one shipping liner to multiple ports under differential pricing

Cooperation between shipping liners and ports has become an inevitable trend in the development of the maritime supply chain. To better understand the investment decisions of one shipping liner for multiple ports and the efforts that ports should make to achieve a large market share and high profitability, we construct a two-stage game model from the perspective of ports and shipping liner and summarize the conditions under which the shipping liner invests in different ports. The results show that the greater the difference in initial capacity between two ports under no-investment, the more likely it is that the shipping liner chooses the High-capacity port to call. Interestingly, investment in ports by the shipping liner may not necessarily help ports expand their market share but may instead damage the market share they already have, and the loss effect is positively related to port size. Additionally, with the shipping liner investment, a stronger discount decided by the Flexible port does not attract the shipping liner to cooperate with it. In this study, a multi-stage game model is used to characterize the changes in the decision-making of the maritime supply chain under different strategies, which can not only provide decision-making suggestions for the cooperation choices of shipping liners but also provide a theoretical basis for ports to attract investment from shipping liners.

Optimizing Voyage Costs in Maritime Supply Chains: A Holistic Approach Towards Logistics Service Improvement and Supply Chain Finance

Abstract The multi-objective optimization for voyage planning, which aims to balance time, fuel utilization, and all other relevant service costs, is noticeably absent in the scientific literature. The reason behind this gap is closely linked to the involvement of a large number of participants with conflicting interests in the process. This complexity explains why modelling an optimization tool for maritime logistics services appears challenging. Although new technologies such as blockchains and smart contracts have helped reduce the number of participants and address some complexities, they cannot fully resolve the fragmentation observed in maritime transport. To address the need for optimized voyage management for vessels, this study takes a holistic approach to voyage costs within the maritime supply chain, similar to how a single company would approach it. The study combines a case study from the container shipping industry, expert interviews, project results, and secondary empirical data research to develop a financial model for optimizing voyage costs. The research opens up opportunities for improving logistics services and developing new business models in the field of supply chain finance.

A GIS-based maritime supply chain network design of distant-water fisheries

In the pursuit of efficient and cost-effective supply chain management within the marine capture fishery sector, this study introduces a novel approach that integrates the supply chain network for distant-water fisheries. This approach not only involves an integrated maritime location inventory routing problem (MLIRP) but also considers the identification of offshore fishing grounds based on geographic information system (GIS) techniques. The proposed model centers on critical decision variables, including selection of fishery production areas, strategic placement and sizing of perishable goods depots, and allocation of refrigerated vessels. Meanwhile, the model proposes two trade-off objective functions: one seeks to maximize the weighted coverage rate of fishery resource within selected production areas, while the other aims to minimize the total cost of the built network. To address the complex model, a method based on the k-means clustering and the multi-objective plant growth simulation algorithm (MO-PGSA) is adopted. Key elements, such as growth operators, dominant strength, crowding distance, and partially ordered sets, are involved to enhance algorithm performance. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed model and method are discussed through numerical experiments based on the real-life case in the Spratly Islands.

Scenario-based strategies evaluation for the maritime supply chain resilience

Enhancing resilience strategies for the maritime supply chain is crucial to ensure smooth operations and minimize disruptions in global trade. This study proposes an integrated method that combines the Best-Worst Method and fuzzy TODIM (Interactive and Multi-criteria Decision-Making, the acronym in Portuguese) approach to prioritize strategies for maritime supply chain resilience. Unlike prior research, our study suggests that resilience strategy selection varies across different risk scenarios. The present study undertakes a thorough examination of strategies for enhancing maritime supply chain resilience in response to three typical scenarios: port congestion, labor shortage, and abnormal freight rate fluctuation. The findings demonstrate that accelerated container turnover, human resource backup, and long-term shipping contracts emerge as paramount strategies for effectively improving resilience. This study establishes a cornerstone for the development of maritime emergency management protocols, grounded in the systematic analysis of risk scenarios.

Robust practices for managing maritime supply chain risks: A survey of Nigeria’s seaports

Managing risks is crucial for efficient and resilient maritime supply chain. For Nigeria’s seaports, the sources of supply chain risks and the best practices for managing them is yet to be sufficiently understood. This paper leveraged the experiences of 67 seaport operators, cargo owners, and shipping professionals in Nigeria to delineate the robust practices in managing supply chain risks. Data collection was via the structured questionnaire and analysed descriptively. Results identified nine main sources of seaport supply chain risks with congestion within port terminals ranked the highest. In addition, six practices were considered as robust for managing seaport supply chain risks: Developing risk feedback mechanism; frequent risk assessment; risk mitigation documentation; keeping records of disruption incidents; regular cargo status update; and better stakeholder relationship management. We recommend that increased level of investment in port digital technologies and regular capacity building in supply chain risk management could be provide the relevant intervention for resilient seaport operations in Nigeria.

Reducing the bullwhip effect to enhance maritime service resilience: The power of blockchain technology for cutting down the market uncertainty in the maritime supply chain

In order to enhance the maritime service resilience due to the uncertain environment, our study use the game-theoretical model to find the optimal scheme based on the hypothesis of rational participants, involves a port and a carrier. The results show three aspects. Specifically, firstly, through using the technical superiority of blockchain and changing the influence rate of market disturbance, the negative effects of market uncertainty and bidirectional bullwhip effect can be reduced under the different conditions. Secondly, the ability improvement of maritime service can improve the maritime resilience. Moreover, the blockchain can empower the traditional service in order to improve the traditional ability of the maritime supply chain. Finally, we reveal the relationship between the bidirectional bullwhip effect and product quantity by investigating the degree of market fluctuation of heterogeneous supply and demand. It needs to be highlighted that if you pay little attention to the fluctuation of the market demand, it's more likely to produce a bidirectional bullwhip effect. Based on these results, the conclusion shows that the stakeholder can enhance maritime service resilience by reducing the bullwhip effect, such as improving service level or adopting the blockchain technology based on the specific conditions.

Blockchain application in maritime supply chain: a systematic literature review and conceptual framework

ABSTRACT This research aims to establish the link between blockchain technology adoption in the maritime and shipping industry and its impact on maritime supply chain integration via a systematic review of both the academic and practice literature. In total 148 articles were identified and analysed. Blockchain applications identified from the literature are categorized into three domains: document management, transaction management, and cargo/vessel/terminal operations. An analysis of the benefits and challenges that influence the deployment of blockchain technology for maritime supply chain integration leads to the development of an integrated and extended Technology, Organization, and Environment (TOE) framework. This study is among the first to examine the current state of blockchain diffusion within the maritime supply chain, making a significant contribution to the field. The extended TOE framework offers guidance for future research and understanding of the relationship between blockchain adoption and maritime supply chain integration. It can be used to assist organisations in successfully adopting blockchain technology in their supply chain operations.

Reformasi Digitalisasi Rantai Pasok Maritim Pasca Covid-19

The maritime supply chain becomes the key factor in trade globalization especially when the pandemic hit; the maritime supply chain was interrupted and caused instability of supply and demand around the world. The pandemic crisis forced the maritime supply chain stakeholders to adopt and implement technologies to give fast and precise services that could reach remote areas. This article reviews several conducted research before and within the pandemic about the challenges and actions of digitalization transformation in the maritime supply chain. The result shows that almost all the research articles reviewed state the importance of digital transformation as the solution of the maritime supply chain interruption due to pandemic that started from the fast and on time exchanged and integrated information to automation of moving goods in the supply chain work processes. Businessmen and the government have the same conclusion that digitalization is an integral part of any solution taken.

Port congestion under the COVID-19 pandemic: The simulation-based countermeasures

As the hub connecting global production and consumption, ports play a pivotal role in the global maritime supply chain system. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and its rapid global spread have caused significant port congestion, resulting in skyrocketing freight rates and posing a serious threat to the smooth operation of international trade. Based on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have developed a novel container port congestion evaluation model by integrating the classical SEIR model, using the system dynamics (SD) theory. In this study, we simulate the impact of different port congestion countermeasures using data from Ningbo Zhoushan Port. The results demonstrate that implementing smart regulations at a high level of epidemic prevention and control is the most efficient approach to swiftly eliminate port congestion. In addition, it is worth mentioning that in the scenarios with a low level of epidemic prevention and control, increasing port investment to optimize smart ports can yield even better effects. Furthermore, we have discussed the impact of factors such as the ratio of infected people, the number of contacted people, and epidemic prevention and control capacity on port congestion index. Hence, we propose that the implementation of advanced smart regulation systems can enhance port operational efficiency and effectively alleviate port congestion. Additionally, amidst the normalization of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has yet to disappear, it is crucial to maintain a vigilant approach to prevention and control to ensure the seamless operation of the port industry.

Identifying the operational status of container terminals from high-resolution nighttime-light satellite image for global supply chain network optimization

Container terminals are cargo gateways in the global maritime supply chain network. Major container terminals generally operate throughout the year, but do not operate at night, when container vessels are not calling at ports, or when there is no need to handle containers. Terminal congestion can delay containers’ shipping schedules, which impacts the supply chain network. To optimize global logistics, it is therefore important to understand fully the daily operational status of container terminals. A vessels’ automatic identification system data are not sufficient to determine whether containers are being handled in container terminals at night. Remote sensing, especially nighttime-light (NTL) imagery, might solve this problem. Recently, high-resolution images for the CE-SAT-IIB satellite with a pixel resolution of 5.1 m became available to observe NTL. This study assessed the operational status of container terminals based on satellite image taken at night. Eight terminals in the Port of Tokyo, Japan, were selected for the study. A Sentinel-2A image recorded during the day on 7 April 2021, and a CE-SAT-IIB image recorded during the night on 6 April 2021, were obtained. The digital numbers (DNs) of each red-, green-, and blue-(RGB) band image were analyzed, revealing that the red, green, and blue bands, in that order, had higher DNs in the Sentinel-2A daytime image and the CE-SAT-IIB NTL image at all terminals. One of the eight terminals had a low DN in the CE-SAT-IIB RGB image because its lights were off at the time the image was taken. The operational status of the terminals could be verified from the CE-SAT-IIB image by setting the DN threshold to the green or red bands. We also found that the CE-SAT-IIB image could distinguish white-light-emitting diode (LED) lamps from high-pressure sodium lamps based on color differences in the DNs of the RGB bands. If high-resolution NTL sensors were placed onboard microsatellites, a high-frequency observation constellation network could be constructed using a combination of NTL data and daytime images. This study showed the benefits and usefulness of NTL images of ports; the results will contribute to the overall optimization of the global maritime supply chain network.

Enablers for maritime supply chain resilience during pandemic: An integrated MCDM approach

Maritime transport is responsible for carrying over 80% of the world's goods, making it the backbone of the global economy. The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented disruptions to supply chains, underscoring the critical need for resilience. However, there is no clear definition of customer-oriented maritime supply chain resilience (MSCR) during pandemic. This study proposes a definition of MSCR in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the needs of customers (i.e., freight service continuity and freight rate stability). The study aims to investigate the hierarchical and causal relationships among MSCR enablers and classify them into driving and dependence power, using an integrated multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach that combines Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM), fuzzy Matriced Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée á un Classement (MICMAC), and Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL). A total of eighteen MSCR enablers during the pandemic are identified through literature review and experts’ opinions. The results of the study manifest that the most influential enabler is the redundancy plan, while freight service continuity and freight rate stability are determined to be the most significant and resultant enablers. The proposed approach has the potential to assist decision-makers in identifying the critical factors that require focused attention to enhance MSCR in the future.

A Review Of Artificial Intelligence And Its RoleIn The Ports And Maritime Supply Chain

The procurement system, operations management, logistics, and marketing channel become the main engine of trade in the world in recent years, so the results obtained by recent authors have a paramount role in supply chain. This paper aims to present a review of the artificial intelligence process in supply chain management. Two stages of literature studies are proposed. The first focuses on the presentation of theories and methods related to artificial intelligence and supply chain management. Where, Method is A review of artificial intelligence and its role in the ports and maritime supply chain are supported as a review of recent published papers. The findings suggest that the previous literature is largely focused on supply chain management, thus leaving the research screening at a very limited level. The second stage presents the literature on the application of artificial intelligence in the Ports and Maritime Industry. The most remarkable finding is that most studies ignored the theories related to the issue of artificial intelligence and supply chain management. Additionally, the previous works show a lack of adoption of certain types of artificial intelligence in the port and maritime industry. Consequently, the studies of the impact of artificial intelligence on the port and maritime sector remain unexploited as it is based on a bibliometric review. In this case, it is recommended that researchers study other types of artificial intelligence on supply chain management, develop a systematic review of the impact of artificial intelligence on the port and maritime sector, and link theory and practice. Keywords: Artificial intelligence (AI); maritime supply chain; Industry 4.0; PMI Method.

Pricing and contract preference in maritime supply chains with downstream competition impact of risk-aversion and contract unobservability

The maritime market has been facing increasingly fierce competition. Most of the existing literature in maritime supply chain assumes that the details of the contracts between ports and carriers are common knowledge among all competing carriers. In reality, it is usually difficult for carriers to be fully aware of each other's contracts with ports. In view of this, we consider two representative contracts, namely wholesale price contact and two-tariff contract, construct a maritime supply chain with one port and two carriers, and analyze how risk-aversion behavior and contract unobservability impact the pricing and contract preference. We use passive beliefs as an equilibrium refinement criterion to solve the model. Our findings indicate that the carrier prefers the wholesale price contract, regardless of whether the contract is observable or not. The port tends to select the two-part tariff contract when the contract is observable. When faced with an unobservable contract, contract preference of the port depends on the competition intensity and degree of risk-aversion. Additionally, under the wholesale price contract, the port can benefit from the decrease of its risk-aversion coefficient and the increase of the carrier's risk-aversion coefficient, while the carrier is exactly the opposite. Meanwhile, the utility of the port can be increased or reduced by the increase in carrier's risk-aversion coefficient under the two-part tariff contract.