Medium-sized Ports Research Articles

Optimizing berth-crane allocation considering tidal effects using chaotic quantum whale optimization algorithm

With the normalization of the global epidemic, shipping has gradually resumed, resulting in a surge in port throughput. Terminal managers are having great difficulty in making container ports be stable, orderly, and efficient. For small and medium-sized ports, making full use of the tidal water level to increase the operation time of large ships significantly improves the efficiency of port operations. Therefore, considering the impact of tidal factors on the operation of container ports, this paper firstly proposes a new berths and quay cranes allocation optimization model, T-B&QC, that minimizes the distance between the actual berthing berth and the preferred berth, the port time cost of ships and the number of quay crane movements as the optimization objectives, under constraints that consider tidal factors. Then, to solve the T-B&QC model using chaotic mapping and quantum theory, the Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) is integrated by using the Chaotic Quantum Rotating Gate Algorithm (CQRGA) and the Quantum Not Gate Algorithm (QNGA), whale coding rules are designed, and the Feasible-Integer Processing Algorithm (WF-IP) is established. Afterwards, the Chaotic Quantum Whale Optimization Algorithm, CQWOA, is proposed. Finally, the CQWOA is used to develop a new berth and quay crane allocation optimization method, T-B&QC_CQWOA. Subsequently, data from an actual seaport container port is used to test the reliability and superiority of the proposed distributing approach and the established optimizing algorithm. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed distributing approach outperforms the classical distribution models that are selected herein, and the CQWOA yields a coordinated schedule of higher quality than the others in the process of solving the model.

The Spatial and Governance Dilemma of Small and Medium-Sized Italian Ports (SMPs): Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) as a Potential Response

The Italian coast has about 700 ports, which are different in typology, dimension, role, and ownership. Historically, this has led to the significant fragmentation of governance and space and a lack of cooperation that ports and cities still experience today. Among all ports, small and medium-sized ports (SMPs), such as marinas, small touristic harbors, and moorings, are the most affected. Unlike the main ports, where spatial and strategic regulation planning fall under the port authority’s responsibilities, SMPs are a combination of public and private management and are, therefore, excluded from national and regional planning and larger strategies. Improving SMPs’ cooperation at the regional level can drive more effective sustainable management among related activities (tourism and the fishing sector) and reduce pressures on the land–sea interaction (LSI). In filling the gaps, this article challenges the existing legal framework, planning tools, approaches, and initiatives and may pave the way to establishing a better-integrated national governance for SMPs. In conclusion, this paper identifies two main opportunities that can support the steady establishment of governance and the systematic harmonized development of these SMPs. The first one is offered by maritime spatial planning (MSP) as a strategic and legal tool whereby SMPs are recognized and, if financially supported, could find incentives and measures for their development. The second one is through European projects, programs, and initiatives such as Framesport as drivers in establishing a common ground among public and private interests and as a cooperation engine at a local scale.

Implementing decarbonisation measures in Norwegian ports

Despite the extensive literature on port sustainability, empirical research has so far paid limited attention to experiences with implementing measures that contribute to decarbonisation in small and medium-sized ports. This study contributes to the literature by investigating decarbonisation measures implemented by Norwegian ports, and drivers and barriers that ports associate with such efforts. We rely on a unique dataset of survey responses from 96 Norwegian port organisations, supplemented with insights from qualitative research. We find that most ports have implemented at least one measure that contributes to decarbonisation. Most prominent is shore power, followed by increased energy efficiency. We find that support from owners and surroundings is prominent in decarbonisation efforts and that political guidelines and steering from port owners are important drivers. Heterogeneity in port types and contexts implies that further empirical research is needed. This study calls for raising the role of ports in the energy transition on the political agenda.

Challenges and opportunities for Southeast Asia's container ports throughout the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the Southeast Asian seaport system, with a decrease in container throughput and ship calls. However, the pandemic has also presented excellent opportunities for ports to increase competitiveness and market share, as some ports are weakened. This study will assess challenges and opportunities for container port development during the pandemic. The study analyses Southeast Asia's port system through three perspectives: market share gain/loss, changes in market concentration, and the relationship between market share gain/loss and efficiency. The study found that Vietnam and Malaysia's seaports have grown during the pandemic due to maintaining domestic production, increasing transportation demand, and changes in shipping routes. Moreover, small and medium-sized ports gain market share from larger ports, this leads to a decrease in the degree of concentration and shows their active participation in the regional transport network, providing more route options for shippers. The study also shows that while some seaports that gained market share were inefficient, some that lost market share were efficient due to the timely implementation of policies to cope with COVID-19. Finally, many ports are struggling to recover due to inadequate infrastructure, equipment, and low loading/unloading productivity, or facing unexpected risks.

Sustainable Solutions for Small/Medium Ports a Guide to Efficient and Effective Planning

Ports are under increased pressure to reduce their negative climate and environmental impacts. Their roles and functions in transportation systems and the economy make them a key industry in promoting sustainability. In particular, small- and medium-sized ports (SMSPs) should serve as lighthouses or flagships of environmental and digital transformation, allowing access to remote locations and integrating peripheral regions. Their sustainability planning faces significant challenges in this context, such as limited resources, access to technical expertise, and stakeholder involvement. Sustainable planning strives for long-term viability, while balancing economic, social, and environmental goals. Ports can ensure that they are cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and capable of satisfying local people’s and companies’ long-term demands by applying sustainable planning methods. This research aims to assist stakeholders in designing and implementing activities that will optimize the sustainability of SMSPs, promote the sustainable development of the neighboring communities, and encourage the sustainable use of coastal and marine resources.

Small and Medium-Sized Port Greening Initiatives as Trigger for a Servitisation Port Ecosystem

Abstract Despite the highest competition among the big EU seaports – gateways and hubs, such as Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg or Valencia, etc. which stand for the Core Ports in the European Union (EU) Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) Core and Comprehensive Network, the present paper addresses challenges and raises potentials immanent in Small and Medium-Sized Ports (SMSPs) in the EU. Environmental responsibility and digital efficiency – Europe’s twin to a green and digital economy paves the way for SMSPs to improve innovation capacity, upgrade demanded future skills and competencies, accelerate EU policies compliant operational, environmental, digital, social and market performance. The paper deploys a multi-case study approach. Using an ecosystem approach, the paper reveals potentials and pinpoints to key short- and long-term challenges pursuant to SMSPs in the three different EU macro-regions – Baltic Sea Region, Adriatic-Ionian Sea Region and Mediterranean Sea Region along the three TEN-T Core Network Corridors Orient-East Med, North Sea-Baltic and Scandinavian-Mediterranean. Departing from the role model – Baltic Sea Region – ports of Kaunas, Klaipeda & Wismar are connected via TEN-T corridors with ports of Bari and Corfu. In this vein, knowledge, skills and best practices are transferred from the North Europe to the South and vice versa using the concepts of co-creation and servitisation. Illustrated case studies reveal how all SMSPs are capable to kick-start environmental and digital transition through co-creation and servitisation mindset in a SMSP ecosystem conceptualisation.

Digitalization of small ports as a step in achieving sustainable goals.

Ports are important for logistics, supply chain management and the economy at regional, national and international levels. They facilitate access to key resources through transport and services, including energy, health, labour aspects, passenger mobility and accessibility. This is particularly important for inland or island regions. In addition to providing safety and security, ports act as gateways and centres of economic and social interaction, promoting, regional economic development and social inclusion. However, ports face increasing. interdependence and obligations to balance interests in conservation, economic efficiency, legal compliance and social justice. [1,2] The digitalisation of ports is inevitable and can contribute to improving the efficiency of their operations which can translate into achieving. sustainable goals. The article therefore presents the results of a study carried out on the level of digitization of small and medium-sized ports, as well as the needs arising from the need to increase the level of digitization and achieve the objectives of sustainable development. In order to verify the needs of small ports in the South Baltic area, focus studies were carried out. The research took place in 2022 December and foresight and design thinking methods were used to identify needs. Seventeen people participated in the survey, representatives of senior managers from the South Baltic ports.

Simulation research of port competitiveness based on system dynamics

It is an urgent problem for Chinese large and medium-sized ports to improve their competitiveness. With the method of system dynamics and the software Vensim-PLE, the simulation model of port competitiveness is constructed to explore the internal factors influencing mechanism and development trend of port competitiveness. By constructing causality diagram and system flow diagram, the paper analyzes the influence mechanism of related factors on port competitiveness. Taking Nanjing Port as the specific research object, it predicts the change trend of cargo throughput and other related variables and port competitiveness. Then it designs four simulation schemes to improve the port competitiveness of Nanjing Port ,and compares the improvement effects of different schemes. Finally, it puts forward some countermeasures and suggestions to improve port competitiveness.

Influence of the Implantation of the Onshore Power Supply (OPS) System in Spanish Medium-Sized Ports on the Reduction in CO2 Emissions: The Case of the Port of Santander (Spain)

Society and its leaders are increasingly aware of the need to fight climate change and CO2 emissions in the search for sustainability. Maritime transport and ports are important sources of pollution and, while industry and the rest of the large-scale emitters have achieved considerable reductions in this area, “shipping” is still not advancing at the same rate, falling behind in this race. The aim of this article is to underline the importance of an early implementation of On-Shore Power Supply (OPS), Cold Ironing (CI) or Alternative Marine Power (AMP) by making a study of potentially avoidable CO2 emissions from vessels docked (on the basis of the EPA [Environmental Protection Agency] and ENTEC [Environmental Engineering Consultancy, an environmental and engineering consultancy in UK] methods) close to urban areas in the Port of Santander (Spain). It is the first time potential reductions have been calculated for the last 11 years (2011–2021), distinguishing yearly emissions per type of vessel and providing real information to port authorities to prioritize the installation of this technological basis for the operation of piers/terminals to optimize investments and outcomes. In this case study, results demonstrate the outcomes of ROROs, ferries, and cruises being the first target of OPS implementation (reaching total of 37.95% of total emitted tons of CO2 during the period of study). As a clear conclusion to this paper, the reader can understand the enormous and growing potential of this technology multiplied by the continuous development, increase and implementation of green energies.

Club convergence and allometry in Chinese mainland coastal container ports

Research on container port development is of great theoretical and practical significance because of the port's crucial role in the local economic system and regional transportation system. Understanding the development dynamics of container ports is important when formulating related operational and management strategies in the future. Hence, this article investigates the club convergence of 25 coastal ports in mainland China spanning from 2006 to 2020 in terms of container throughput, which signals the development of a port to some extent. The study finds three clubs in China's coastal container port system, with various transitional behaviors indicating that the whole system has shown a tendency toward a slight centralization since 2013 and that small and medium-sized ports are regressing. On this basis, analysis on the container port system is conducted by employing an allometric model. The result shows that allometric relations indeed exist not only among three factors linked with port development, namely, port container throughput, port city's import-export volume, and port maritime connectivity, but also among the three port clubs. Moreover, the allometric relations slightly differ and vary over time for the three port clubs, thus implying that large ports may have different growth mechanisms from small and medium-sized ports. Based on the findings mentioned above, several general policy implications are proposed, which may impact port production, construction, and operations management in mainland China.

Ports Digitalization Level Evaluation.

Currently, seaports are actively searching for methods and ways to improve their operational efficiency. Digitalization is considered as one of the main directions of current ports’ development. Ports’ digitalization levels are varied and may depend on different factors, including port size, traditions, turnover and handled cargo type, etc. Ports often face decision-making challenges related to assessment of their digitization level and choice of development directions. The article aims to develop a methodology to evaluate ports’ digitalization level. A marketing research tool was used to collect the data needed for the analysis. A mathematical model allowing simulations is proposed and a case study of 30 ports located in the Baltic, North and Mediterranean Seas regions is explored. Based on conducted calculations, a ranking of analysed ports considering their digitalization level was created. The ports were compared within groups of small, medium-sized and large ports. It was estimated that the digitalization level in small and medium-sized ports is about 30% lower than the level of large seaports. The research results may be of interest to seaports striving to assess their level of digitalization and choose the best digital improvement solutions.

Integration of Baltic Small and Medium-Sized Ports in Regional Innovation Strategies on Smart Specialisation (RIS3)

Small and medium-sized ports in the Baltic Sea Region find themselves in a dilemma to participate in the governance of innovation policies such as Smart Specialisation. The Smart Specialisation policy introduced by the European Commission supports regional economic and innovation development focusing on regional strength through selection of defined priorities, offering smaller ports an opportunity to overcome their dilemma. Currently, all European regions are monitoring and evaluating their performances alongside with the Smart Specialisation policy to make adjustments for the upcoming funding period. The Blue Growth concept entitles a large contribution to reach the emphasised goals and thus, ports can be an important actor and key driver for a sustainable and green future development. Hence, this paper analyses the current significance of smaller ports in Baltic Sea NUTS-2 regions reflected in the individual RIS3 maritime and/or logistic priorities as well as Blue Growth sub-sectors from the funding period 2014–2020 to contribute to the future design of RIS3. Yielded results will illustrate whether regional governances are aware of the potential small ports bring up to their economies with consideration to Smart Specialisation, Green Deal and Blue Growth Strategies and how RIS3 might effects small port performances.

Forecasting the Cargo Throughput for Small and Medium-sized Ports: Multi-stage Approach with Reference to the Multi-port System

Purpose: The paper aims to elaborate on long-term throughput forecasts in Small and Medium-Sized ports (SMPs). The research problem relates to determining a method that is relevant for the long-term transhipment forecasting in SMPs. Design/Methodology/Approach: Research was applied to the Polish ports system consisting of three major ports (Gdansk, Gdynia, and Świnoujście) and the minor port of Szczecin. Forecasts for the cargo groups in the major ports were produced using regression models where the model parameters were estimated with the Ordinary Least Squares Method. The obtained forecasts of the throughput of cargo groups in major Polish seaports were converted into dynamics indices. The resulting matrices of the cargo throughput dynamics indices established for the leading Polish seaports were used to prepare cargo throughput forecasts for the port of Szczecin. Findings: Elaborated throughput forecasts indicate that, in the future, the port in Szczecin will retain its universal character, and a moderate increase in the cargo volumes confirms that it will serve as a complementary port to the major ports in the range. The forecasted modal split of hinterland transport indicates the increasing importance of road transport, and a decreased rail and inland waterway transport to/from the hinterland. That is likely due to a lower cargo throughput and difficulties in organizing the rail and inland waterway corridors based on smaller freight volumes. Practical implications: The study provides a practical tool for long-term throughput and hinterland traffic forecasting in SMPs. It is addressed to port authorities as the method may be used in decision-making on capacity expansion and academics exploring the phenomenon of predictions in maritime transport. Originality/Values: The novel method of demand forecasting in SMPs includes relations between major and minor ports in the range and multi-staged validation of results. Research advances studies on the dynamics of multi-port systems.

A Digital or Sustainable Small and Medium-Sized Port? Sustainable Port Blueprint in the Baltic Sea Region Based on Port Benchmarking

Abstract Small and medium-sized ports (SMSPs) in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) are caught in a dilemma of less financial support by the European funding programmes due to their peripheral position in the TEN-T Core Network. Most of the BSR ports belong to the TEN-T Comprehensive Network, which is rationally less important in the topical financial, infrastructural and policy discourses. Despite this, BSR ports are of a colossal importance for the regional economic development serving as gateways for the individual regions and drivers of socio-economic and environmental transition. In addition, ports are essential in pursuing new innovation avenues. The environmental targets published by the European Commission for maritime sector in 2030 and 2050 are applicable for SMSPs as well, creating further obstacles and future challenges on the one hand, but opening new horizons to grow and innovate on the other one. A successful environmental and digital transformation going hand in hand in SMSPs enable sustainable boost of sustainable development. Thus, as a first step, the assessment of sustainable readiness in SMSPs is incumbent in order to implement tailor-made solutions on individual basis, by ensuring efficient usage of available resources and capabilities. In line with the Connect2SmallPorts project, part-financed by the INTERREG South Baltic Programme, 38 SMSPs in the BSR were approached to mapping their digital readiness according to the methodology of the Digital Readiness Index for Ports (DRIP), published within the project in 2020. Building upon this, this paper introduces the idea of digital and environmental twinning to conclude on sustainable development potentials in SMSPs with an adaptation of the DRIP score. Hence, the research contributes to the sustainable port concept and illustrates the positioning of SMSPs in the progress of sustainable development.

Cross-Border Capacity-Building for Port Ecosystems in Small and Medium-Sized Baltic Ports

Abstract One of the key challenges related to the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic is preservation of employment and protecting staff who are working in port operations and struggling to keep ports operating for ship calls. These activities performed by port labour are deemed to be crucial for the EU and European ports, since 75% of the EU external trade and 30% of intra-EU transport goods are moved by waterborne transport. As a response to the global lockdown and the vulnerability of global supply chains, the majority of international organisations and maritime ports networks have shortlisted measures necessary to keep the severe effects of the lockdown to a minimum. One of the key measures identified is how to limit physical interaction. As an effect, millions of people and organisations across the globe have had to use and/or increase their deployment of digital technologies, such as digital documentation, tracing information systems and digital group-working platforms. Hence, blockchain and data-enabling systems have become to be recognised as a core element maintaining the uninterrupted flow of goods and services at ports. In pursuing uninterrupted trade and keeping ports open and running, this research paper addresses how the current situation afflicts the small and medium-sized ports located on the Baltic Sea which are argued to be critical actors of the port-centric logistics’ ecosystem. Given the topicality of this research and addressing the research gap, the authors suggest a conceptual capacity-building framework for port employees. This suggested framework is based on empirical insights: primary and secondary data collected from the project Connect2SmallPorts, part-financed by the Interreg South Baltic Programme 2014–2020 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The conceptual framework aims towards a practical training programme dedicated to fill in the missing skills or expand the limited competence of human resources and ports’ capacity when adapting or advancing digitalisation in the ports’ ecosystems. In particular, specific areas of capacity building are addressed and individual solutions suggested to foster a digital transformation of ports. The conceptual training framework is designed as a training tool indicating opportunities to help ports upgrade their competences with the blockchain technology, and to advance their transportation, environmental and economic performance with improved digitalisation. For this purpose, the conducted research employed mixed methods and applied concepts and approaches based on the field of management. For example, the construct of absorptive capacity, organisational learning, transformation, resource-based view and the concept of dynamic capabilities are included in the ecosystem discourse and are linked with open innovation and service design. The research presented in this article provides both theoretical and practical contributions, in which the affected stakeholders can test and utilise the developed tool as well as transfer it to other regions.

Prediction on freight function structure of China’s coastal ports under the Polar Silk Road: a cargo attraction potential perspective

ABSTRACT The Polar Silk Road (PSR) will open up China’s maritime trade route through the Arctic to Northwest Europe and affect the freight function structure of China’s coastal ports. This study evaluates ports’ freight capacity and predicts the freight function structure of China’s coastal ports under the PSR from four dimensions, namely, comprehensive/professional, function status, function scale and function hierarchy. The freight function structure is also compared with the current one. Results show that the ports in the Bohai Rim and Yangtze River Delta will have more diversified development and become the main force of the port system under the PSR. Coal will have an important position in most ports’ cargo transportation under the PSR. The PSR will bring great economic development opportunities to the northern ports because of the influence of the sea route distance. The port function hierarchy is more obvious under the PSR, and the medium-sized ports are most affected by the PSR. We classify coastal portsaccording to the freight scale and freight function. An adaptive proposal for the government’s port function planning is proposed in the conclusion.

Digital readiness index assessment towards smart port development

Digital technologies receive more and more attention in the maritime transport sector. Large ports such as Rotterdam or Antwerp are already heavily investing in digital databased technologies and thus, continue to rely on a sustainable expansion of these advanced technologies that promise security, process optimization and sustainability. Conversely, especially smaller ports have no or limited knowledge on what Industry 4.0, IoT and Blockchain are and what potentials they may have. Nevertheless, without the inclusion of small and medium-sized ports, the innovative idea towards a smart port development stays unachievable. Related to this, there exist a lack of concepts and models for measuring the digital performance of ports. Without such tools, it is impossible to audit the digital status of ports and to derive a concrete strategic roadmap for the digital transformation of ports. Accordingly, in this study, the research questions will be investigated, how the digital performance of ports can be assessed, and which strategic recommendations can be derived for ports regarding a sustainable development towards a smart port. Building upon the received qualitative data that were gathered through an online survey and IT based expert interviews, a digital readiness index for ports is applied in case of five selected seaports. The results will show that building upon the benchmarking and indexing of the ports, the current strategic positioning of the ports becomes apparent. Through this, the respective strategic recommendations for a sustainable development towards a smart port can be derived in accordance to each port classification.

Assessment of the Resilience of a Complex Network for Crude Oil Transportation on the Maritime Silk Road

As one of the most strategically important natural resources, crude oil can be dangerous to transport by sea. The resilience of a maritime transport network denotes the ability of the system to withstand damage and remain operational after disturbances, representing the invulnerability of the network and its ability to recover from harm. In this study, we built a crude oil transportation network titled the Maritime Silk Road using Automatic Identification System (AIS) sensor data, designed a resilience assessment framework based on complex network theory, and assessed the resilience of the maritime crude oil transportation network from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives with the help of complex network metrics and a resilience model. The results show that the topology of the crude oil transportation network has a significant impact on its resilience, in that network density and centrality are negatively related to network resilience, whereas network connectivity and size are positively related to resilience. Subsequently, the resilience of crude oil transportation networks declines at a steady rate under random attacks but declines sharply under intentional attacks. Finally, a comprehensive analysis of invulnerability and recovery in the context of resilience concludes that strengthening small and medium-sized ports in the network is important to enhance network resilience. These results can provide reference and decision support for port planning, route design, optimization, and form a foundation for a more secure and reliable maritime transportation network system.

Quantitative evaluation of dual operational-environmental port performance in the Pearl River Delta

This study quantitatively evaluates the dual operational-environmental performance of the ports in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region in China. Factor analysis is first applied to identify the common factors for comprehensively ranking the level of dual operational-environmental performance of each port. Environmental treatment, port conditions and development potential are identified as the common factors. The Port of Shenzhen is found to have the best performance in environmental treatment and development potential, while the Port of Guangzhou has the best fundamental conditions. Cluster analysis is then applied to compare the clusters of ports in the PRD region with and without 'green' elements. It is found that small and medium-sized ports need to respond the call of Chinese Government on provincial-level unified port platform to realise dual operational-environmental performance.

Internet development, economic level, and port total factor productivity: an empirical study of Yangtze River ports

ABSTRACT To improve inland ports efficiency, this paper uses the Hicks-Moorsteen index to measure the TFP of 18 inland ports on the Yangtze River from 2005 to 2016 and establishes a nonlinear measurement model of internet development affecting port TFP. The results show that the TFP level of Yangtze River ports shows a clear upward trend, mainly due to the obvious progress of production technology and the improvement of efficiency. The TFP of large-scale ports has significantly improved while the TFP of small and medium-sized ports has declined. The threshold effect of TFP was studied empirically, showing that in areas with high levels of economic development, the Internet improves port TFP. However, internet development in areas with lower economic levels has hindered the improvement of TFP. Based on port size, economic level, and internet development trends, this paper proposes relevant policy recommendations for improving the TFP of Yangtze River ports.