Port Industry Research Articles

Quality, Safety, and Security Systems in the Greek Port Industry: Over Twenty Years of Research, Empirical Evidence, and Future Perspectives

Background: Quality, Safety and Security are embedded in all aspects of port operations and are crucial for port industry stakeholders. Over the past decades, numerous assurance systems, codes, and regulations for quality, safety, and security have been developed and implemented in ports world-wide. This paper examines key insights for the implementation those systems in ports, reviewing over 20 years of empirical research on the impact and outcomes of such systems in Greek ports and internationally. Methods: It compares and discusses evidence from two empirical surveys spanning the first two decades of the 21rst century. The first survey was conducted in 2011 (with evidence from 2000 to 2011) including 12 major Greek ports (SAs) and the second one was conducted up to 2022–2023, including 23 over 25 Greek ports (the same SAs and other ones from the Greek TEN-T network). Results: The higher-level scope of this paper is to investigate critical perspectives on and trends in quality, safety, and security systems in the port industry. Conclusions: This investigation aims to strengthen the assumption that quality, safety, and security play a pivotal role in shaping the image, performance, and growth of ports.

Gender equity analysis in the maritime and port industry in Chile

The underrepresentation of women in the maritime and port industry is a critical concern. Despite efforts to recognize the relevance of gender equity and increase awareness of its importance, comprehensive studies on gender disparities within the industry are lacking. This article addresses this issue by conducting an exploratory study to assess gender gaps in the maritime and port industry. We employ a methodological framework involving an online survey targeted at several port stakeholders in Chile and statistical and econometric methods for the analysis. We identify and quantify gender gaps in three dimensions: wages, working conditions, and perceptions of gender initiatives in the workplace. The results indicate that women earn, on average, approximately 7 % less than men do, even after controlling for socioeconomic and demographic characteristics. Moreover, we find that women, compared with men, are at a disadvantage in terms of working conditions, and they perceive a lower degree of implementation of gender initiatives. Consequently, gender gaps are prevalent within the maritime and port industry. Closing these gaps requires the implementation of practices and policies in both private organizations and public agencies to ensure equitable opportunities for all genders.

Scaling-up 5G adoption in smart ports: barriers and enablers

ABSTRACT As the fifth generation of mobile communication technology, 5G is predicted to be a significant focus for investment by the logistics industry in the coming years. One area where it is expected to have a significant impact is ports, enabling further digitization and the development of Smart Ports. The aim of this paper is to investigate the barriers and enablers to 5G adoption, focusing on the UK port industry. Data has been collected from nine senior representatives from the UK port sector as well as two technology providers. Potential use cases are identified, along with barriers and enablers to their adoption. These including building a business case with appropriate use cases, the trade-off between legacy systems and 5G capability, technology maturity, skill development within the workforce, and the role of government in supporting innovation. This work contributes by giving insights into the challenges when introducing 5G within the port environment. Research of 5G applications in logistics currently focuses more on the technological applications rather than the business implications from adoption.

Green strategies in ports: a stakeholder management perspective

AbstractThis paper delves into the intricate relationship between green strategies and stakeholder management within the port industry. We employ a robust conceptual framework and a tailored methodology, encompassing all sixteen Italian Port Management Bodies and analysing 344 related green strategies. A unique indirect approach is introduced to identify the primary stakeholders targeted by these strategies. The research identifies three primary categories of green strategies: energy efficiency, electric supply infrastructure development, and renewable energy promotion. These strategies align with increasing environmental expectations and stricter regulations. Terminal operators and local communities emerge as primary stakeholder groups, underscoring their growing influence in port management decisions. This research bridges a substantial gap in the academic literature by shedding light on the benefits of green strategies for the principal port stakeholders and the pivotal role of these strategies for stakeholder management in ports. Port managers can leverage these insights to make informed strategic decisions, strengthen their corporate social responsibility initiatives, and better address environmental concerns while meeting stakeholder expectations. Furthermore, the paper offers valuable guidance to policymakers aiming to stimulate additional investments in environmental sustainability, thereby meeting the expectations of port stakeholders and enhancing port competitiveness.

Reliability and validity assessment of instrument to measure sustainability practices at shipping ports in India

Sustainability has emerged as one of the most critical factors influencing the competitiveness of maritime shipping ports. This emergence has led to a surge in research publications on port sustainability-related topics. However, despite the increasing awareness and adoption of sustainability practices, documented literature on empirical studies with survey and interview data is very limited. Moreover, the existence of validated instruments to objectively assess sustainability through sustainability practices for shipping ports in India needs to be traced. This study contributes by validating an instrument to evaluate objectively sustainability practices in shipping ports by adopting a four-stage process, starting with item identification based on an extensive literature review, instrument evaluation by subject matter experts, assessing of the instrument with suitable content validation indices, and finally evaluating the validity and reliability of the hypothesized theoretical model. For content validation, Content Validity Index, Cohens Kappa coefficient, and Lawshe’s Content Validity Ratio were computed with the assessment by a subject matter expert panel comprising six members from the port industry as well as academicians cum researchers in the field of shipping ports. The content-validated instrument was administered to 200 samples comprising officer category port employees. The measurement model was evaluated and validated using the Confirmatory Factor Analysis to assess the extent to which the measured variables represent the theoretical construct of the study and ascertain the factor structure. The empirically validated instrument met the required guidelines of model fit, reliability, and construct validity measures and was found to be a confirmed model for measuring sustainability practices in shipping ports. Structural Equation Modeling methodology was adopted to explain the variance and the path relationship between the higher-order and lower-order constructs of sustainability. The results indicate that the economic dimensions are the major contributors to the overall sustainability of the port as they drive investments in environmental and social dimensions, leading to overall sustainable development. The study’s findings will be helpful for researchers, academicians, policymakers, and industry practitioners working towards sustainability practices that contribute to sustainable growth and development in the shipping industry.

A competitiveness analysis of Guangxi Beibu Gulf Port Group based on the entropy TOPSIS method

ABSTRACT This article analyzes the strategic positioning of Guangxi’s cooperation with Southeast Asia in the Belt and Road Initiative, and explains the importance of port development to Guangxi. By constructing an evaluation indicator system and using the entropy-Topsis method to measure and rank the comprehensive competitiveness of 17 listed companies in China’s port industry from 2017 to 2021, we show that the competitiveness of Beibu Gulf Port Group has slowly increased, its cooperation around the Belt and Road Initiative has ushered in a broader space for development, and it has gradually becoming an essential hub of China- ASEAN cooperation. At present, the biggest problem facing Beibu Gulf Port Group is that the enterprise’s ability to attract talents is insufficient, resulting in the lack of innovative talents to promote the modernization of the enterprise. We put forward some suggestions and give the future research direction.

SOLUCIONES BASADAS EN INTELIGENCIA ARTIFICIAL PARA EL DESARROLLO DE NEGOCIOS EN ENTORNOS PORTUARIOS

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming numerous sectors, including the port industry. This article addresses how AI-based solutions can revolutionize business development in port environments, providing significant competitive advantages. The state of the art reveals that ports face increasing challenges in terms of operational efficiency, resource optimization, and competitiveness. In this context, AI emerges as a powerful tool capable of analyzing large volumes of data and making informed decisions.The content of the article is structured into several key sections. First, it explores the competitive advantages offered by AI in the port sector, such as resource optimization, strategic decision-making, improved security, environmental sustainability, and customer experience. Specific applications such as predictive analytics, process automation, and route optimization are discussed. Case studies of ports that have successfully implemented AI technologies, such as the Port of Rotterdam, the Port of Hamburg, and the Port of Singapore, are presented to illustrate the benefits obtained and the challenges overcome.The development of the research focuses on the algorithms and analysis techniques used, including machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing. Various applications in the port sector are analyzed, from facility pre-design and space optimization to Capex and Opex estimations and business generation capacity. AI is also used to improve operational efficiency and optimize investments and costs.The conclusions emphasize that, although the adoption of AI presents challenges, such as the need for advanced technological infrastructure and continuous staff training, the potential benefits are significant. AI enables ports to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, increase security and sustainability, and offer better services to customers. Finally, recommendations for the successful implementation of AI solutions are proposed, emphasizing the importance of detailed strategic planning, collaboration with technology partners, and adequate staff training.article is to provide an extensive comparison of some of them, showing their similarities and also their regulatory differences, as well as possible gaps and inconsistencies.

ANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT STATE OF FUNCTIONING OF COMMERCIAL PORTS OF UKRAINE

Thearticle presents the results of the study of the functioning of the ports of Ukraine through the prism of the impact of the war. A generalized analysis of the operation of Ukraine's ports from the first wave of blockade by the Russian Federation in 2022 to the current state is presented, including the actual throughput capacity of functioning ports and the nomenclature of cargo handling by Danube ports in 2023. In addition, the dynamics and structure of the supply of agricultural products by the main modes of transport are provided, where the importance of the ports of Ukraine as the main way of exporting agricultural products to ensure their arrival on international markets is highlighted; shows changes in grain and wheat prices between January 2021 and August 2023 based on International Grains Council indices. The role of the ports of the Danube region and the grain agreement for the export of cargo flows of agricultural andother products to African and Asian markets is singled out. The question of the potential for further development, development, modernization and renewal of the infrastructure of the ports of Izmail, Reni, and Ust-Dunaysk was revealed. The restoration of ship calls to the ports of Greater Odessa thanks to the formation of Ukraine's own humanitarian corridor was emphasized. The consequences of Russia's large-scale war against Ukraine in the field of port activity are grouped due to the consequences of direct and indirect influence. The risks of shipping among the countries of the Azov-Black Sea basin from the standpoint of security are summarized. It is concluded that the consequences of the protracted war scenario in Ukraine will have a negative impact not only on the port industry, but will also become a catalyst for an economic crisis in the developed economies of the world.

TRUCK EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS AND FEATURES OF ITS USE IN THE CONDITIONS OF AUTOMATION OF PORT TERMINALS

The modern trends in the development of cargo equipment in ports are considered in the article. Modern ports are an important link in global supply chains, and the efficiency of their work directly affects the cost of goods and related services provided during cargo transshipment, storage, and passage through port terminals. Cargo equipment used at various stages of cargo transshipment plays an important role in optimizing port operations.Using universal equipment significantly increases the productivity of the port, reduces the downtime of ships and other types of transport, and allows efficient use of warehouse space and available personnel. The main problem that ports face when choosing equipment is its cost and payback period, which directly affect the efficiency of the port and its competitiveness.Throughout historical development, ports have had both a negative and a positive impact on the regions and communities in which they are located. On the one hand, they contribute to the development of the region, its transport and logistics infrastructure, can stimulate economic productivity and growth, and on the other hand, their activity requires energy, creates negative external effects, worsens the ecological situation in the region.The issue of the development of cargo equipment and the efficiency of its use is relevant and requires further research in connection with the emergence of new trends related to the automation and robotization of these processes, the introduction of elements of artificial intelligence, which significantly increase the problem of ensuring cyber security of the port.Automation of the port industry contributes to the transformation of traditional ports into smart global transport complexes. The effectiveness of their activities is determined primarily by the use of advanced technologies and practices, and the results affect not only the cost of port services, but also the reduction of costs and the improvement of the quality of the entire transport and delivery chain.Like any innovative process, automation has its advantages and disadvantages, which were noted in the work. There are also significant barriers to automation, especially for the modernization of existing ports.Environmental standards and innovative cargo delivery technologies, increasing requirements for the quality of transshipment services and the need to reduce costs in order to maintain competitiveness will force traditional ports to switch to automation of transshipment equipment in order to increase its efficiency.

Alignment of the 2030 Agenda to the port industry

Alignment of the 2030 Agenda to the port industry

The impact of government support on port industry competitiveness: A qualitative exploration

Focusing on Shanghai Port, this in-depth study explores how government support can make port organizations more competitive. This study shall implement qualitative analysis based on in-depth interviews with key industry and government leaders to break down the complicated actions taken by the government and how they have changed the operational and strategic skills of the port industry. Seven factors were found in our study to be the most crucial support factors: Financial, regulatory, infrastructure growth, talent, market, policy, and organizational support. In their ways, each of these groups undermines the ability of port businesses to compete. For instance, finance can make ports more competitive in aspects such as tax cuts, lower interest rates, innovation and R&D funds, financing programs, venture capital funds, and putting up R&D sites. Supporting regulations makes sure that there is fair competition and smooth operations. This is done by protecting intellectual property, keeping the market going smoothly, improving the business environment, and monitoring market regulations. Building new infrastructure, such as innovation and updated buildings, enables the smooth running of the port businesses and minimizes wastage of time; thus, more time is spent on production. Supporting talent, the market, and policy all work together to make the human capital, international cooperation, and strategic regulatory framework that a company needs to stay ahead in the long run. It is clear from organizational support how important collaborative networks are for making ports more competitive. These networks, for instance, can be of assistance in helping schools and businesses work together, create new technologies, and find ways for companies and colleges to study together. This study examines these support systems to determine where the government should step in and how the systems can be made better to make ports more competitive. In terms of practical contribution, this in-depth study helps policymakers and port workers plan for the future. This study shows a fair way for the government to support the port business, which changes with its needs and stays competitive in the world of trade.

Factor analysis method for delay dynamics in Nigerian Tin Can Island Port for sustainable development

The effect of efficient and effective port system on the economy viability of any nation cannot be over emphasis. This study investigated factors that could be termed as delay causative factors in Nigerian ports industry using TIN CAN Island port complex as a case study. A well-structured questionnaire was developed for this research and 72 respondents, who are port users (custom officers, employees, and customers), were asked to rank the variables perceived to be causing delay at the port according to their respective perception of the effect of each factor on delay factors at the port. The validity of the research instrument was done using Cronbach Alpha. There are several factors that were thought to be working together in reducing efficiency in Nigerian ports and these factors were analyzed using factor analysis method. It was discovered from the analysis that Lack of Government Authority, Ullage Constraint, Inadequate Berthing, Logistics Delay, Financial Constraint and Equipment Breakdown are major factors that cause delay at Tin Can Island Port Lagos. These highlighted factors should be paid special attention in order to reduce delay in Tin Can Island port which will in turns lead to more revenue for the country.

Development Model in HT Port Area Industry of Xiaoqinghe Navigation Resumption Project

Studying the operation and development mode of Lingang Industrial Park, analyzing and planning the spatial layout of Lingang Industrial Park, will have important guiding significance for promoting the development of regional Lingang Industrial Park. An in-depth analysis of the development model and spatial layout of the HT Port Area Lingang Industrial Park in the Xiaoqinghe Navigation Restoration Project is beneficial for improving the overall operational efficiency of the HT Lingang Industrial Park, optimizing the industrial structure, and accelerating the pace of economic development in Zibo City. This article first explores the current development status of the HT port industry in the Xiaoqinghe Navigation Resumption Project based on relevant concepts and basic theoretical research. Secondly, taking Shanghai, Tianjin, Japan, and Rotterdam as typical cases, it analyzes the four existing operating models of the inland river port industrial park, providing reference for the industrial layout of the HT port area in the Xiaoqinghe Navigation Resumption Project. Finally, suggestions and strategies for the future development of HT Lingang Industrial Park are proposed.

BESOINS ET DÉFIS D’INTÉGRATION POUR UNE TRANSFORMATION VERTE ET INTELLIGENTE DE L’INDUSTRIE PORTUAIRE BASÉE SUR DES DONNÉES MULTI-SOURCES

This research explores the integration needs and challenges for achieving green and smart transformation in the port industry, leveraging multi-source data and geographic information technology. The study utilizes comprehensive data, including information from the National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System, the National Catalogue Service for Geographic Information, and road network maps of Jiangsu Province in China. Geographical analysis methods, such as weighted kernel density estimation and standard deviation ellipse analysis, are employed to identify spatial distribution patterns and changes in the port and shipping service industry. The results indicate a spatial distribution pattern with weak expansion from the center, along the "northwest-southeast" direction. Challenges such as decentralized management and competition for interests hinder port integration for sustainable development. By understanding the spatial dynamics, policymakers can make informed decisions for a greener, smarter, and more efficient port sector.

Assessment of Consistency in the Functioning of Seaports of Ukraine

Introduction. Seaports in a state’s economies are the main levers of economic development, investment generators, and innovation demand. Modern trade ports are open systems that are influenced by many factors. During the last decades of globalization and innovative technologies, an essential factor in the competitiveness of seaports, such as the stability of the functioning of Ukraine, is gaining relevance. The improvement of port management is driven by the urgent need to apply innovative strategies and methods to ensure the development and efficiency of the port industry due to the impact of many factors affecting the stability and growth of the port system.
 Aim and tasks. The aim of the study is to assess the influence of various factors on the consistency of the management system of the port industry.
 Result. An algorithm for forming generalized stability indicators for the functioning system of the port industry is proposed. Using an entropy approach to the management indicators of the development of the port industry functioning system showed an increase in the indicators of the ship operations group by 1.07% and cargo operations by 1.01%, a decrease in the financial group by 1.65%, and a port environment by 1.30%. The application of the established approach and the defined sequence of relevant calculations will allow ports to respond sensitively to violations of the stability of their system both at the industry and individual port levels and to find answers for each group of selected influential indicators for the finance group, the ship and cargo operations group, and the port environment. The main difference between the proposed approach and the existing ones is the calculation of the overall level of functioning of the port management system, which is based on the accumulation of the values of the relevant integral indicators for groups of indicators such as finance, ship-cargo operations, and port environment.
 Conclusions. The operation system of the port economy can be considered from the perspective of researching its various states, which are a consequence of the dynamics of the external environment. This allows us to use such a quality of entropy by considering the final nature of the management processes of the industry. This will help determine the nature of trends that can be considered in the future when forecasting the port industry’s development directions and when making relevant comparisons in the industry at the national and global levels.

An empirical study of the performance of the sixth generation ports model with smart ports with reference to major container ports in mainland China

Since the UNCTAD proposed the initial port model, called the first generation port model (1GP) in 1994, its adaptation and transformation have evolved, reflecting not only the evolution of port operations and technological advancements, but also the resilience of ports to natural disasters and supply disruptions. Recently, the trio of COVID-19, digitalization, and decarbonization (CDD) has emerged as core challenges whilst providing numerous opportunities for building adaption and resilience for the port industry. In light of this, the sixth generation ports (6GP) model has emerged. This paper addresses crucial research gaps by empirically testing the 6GP model, emphasizing the impact of emerging factors of the CDD, including 1) the lack of empirical testing for the 6GP model and the emphasis on the CDD; 2) the exploration of factors contributing to the significant development of Chinese container ports; 3) the investigation into how the CDD lead to the reversal of the port devolution continuum path. In doing so, an empirical study has been conducted, focusing on six major container ports in mainland China, all of which are among the world’s top 10 container ports in terms of container throughput. It evaluates the importance of the criteria of the 6GP model with the performance of the six ports. The findings of this research are discussed for managerial and policy implications, enriching the existing literature on port devolution, and providing the port industry with a holistic view of port development and strategy in the post-pandemic period.

A Study on Assessment of Noise Exposure in the Port Industry: Implications for Occupational Health and Safety

The workplace today is getting more complex, as exposure to chemical, physical, and biological substances at work poses an increasing range of hazards and risks. Industrial hygiene is "that science and art devoted to the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of those environmental factors or stresses arising in or from the workplace". Exposure assessment is the heart of industrial hygiene initiatives, which serves as the foundation for all other functional elements, including medical surveillance, exposure monitoring, engineering controls, administrative controls, and hazardous materials management. Ports are key hubs for worldwide trade, handling a wide range of cargo types with various machinery and equipment. The operational activities within these environments frequently generate high levels of noise, posing a potential hazard to the well-being of the workforce. The purpose of this study is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of noise exposure in the port industry at different locations and to propose appropriate mitigation strategies. The methodology involves the use of sound level measurements using a sound level meter in various port environments. A thorough examination was carried out to identify specific locations for the purpose of conducting noise monitoring. The survey facilitated the quantitative assessment of noise exposure. Based on the findings of this study, necessary recommendations are proposed to minimize noise exposure and protect the well-being of port workers. The insights gained will not just assist port workers but will also contribute to a broader awareness of sustainable and responsible industrial practices. Keywords: Noise exposure, Port industry, Noise assessment, Noise control methods, Personal protective equipment.

The effect of digital adoption and service quality on business sustainability through strategic alliances at port terminals in Indonesia

Effective port management is vital for a nation's economic growth. Amid global advancements, ports must ensure business sustainability across social, environmental, and economic domains due to regulations and market demands. Stakeholders often rely on two strategies: digital technology adoption and service quality enhancement. As ports involve diverse stakeholders, collaborative strategies in alliances gain importance. Therefore, this study investigates digital adoption, service quality, and strategic alliances' impact on Indonesian ports’ business sustainability. Using quantitative methods, 72 respondents' questionnaire data from Indonesian port terminals was analyzed with structural equation modeling. Results show digital adoption and service quality positively influence strategic alliance formation, which then enhances business sustainability. Interestingly, the direct impacts of digital adoption and service quality on business sustainability are absent, which emphasizes the need for strategic alliances. Thus, Indonesian port terminals should forge alliances as resource-sharing vehicles, promoting business sustainability. This research advances Resource-Based View theory and offers practical insights for navigating Indonesia’s port industry challenges while also giving valuable insight about port characteristics in archipelagic countries.

Environmental management systems in Greek ports: A transformation tool?

Environmental Management Systems in ports represent an effort to combine high-quality port services and strong environmental performance with modern management strategies and street-level implementation. The broader use of EMS indicates a shift towards more sustainable port organization, operation and development, but also a trend to optimize objectives, means and procedures through a consistent, well-organized and result-oriented effort. This research paper delves into EMS as transformative tools, with a particular focus on their implementation and impact within Greek ports. Our findings suggest that EMS are powerful tools. They have the capacity to set strategic decisions into motion, establish concrete and measurable targets, introduce new processes and procedures, reorganize existing structures or create new ones, mobilize resources effectively, and generate tangible outputs and effects. Concurrently, EMS may have significant externalities by catalyzing changes in port strategy, governance, structure, or organizational culture. EMS reflect a heightened environmental ambition and engagement on the part of port authorities and serve as catalysts for the environmental mainstreaming and sustainability efforts within the port industry. Nonetheless, it is important to acknowledge that EMS implementation does have certain limits and limitations that should be taken into account when striving for better environmental performance or sustainable port development.

ЕНЕРГОЕФЕКТИВНІСТЬ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ ПОРТОВОЇ ГАЛУЗІ УКРАЇНИ

Abstract.Increasing energy efficiency and developing sustainable energy is one of the most important priorities in all countries of the world. Virtually any enterprise has great opportunities to save energy resources and increase energy efficiency. Nevertheless, in most cases these opportunities remain unrealized.The article examines the problems of energy efficiency and its improvement at enterprises of the port industry.Increasing the energy efficiency of port industry enterprises leads to savings in payment for electricity and increasing their competitiveness.Currently, there are no real opportunities to manage power supply modes of port industry enterprises at the required level.A comprehensive solution to the problem of improving the quality of power supply management in seaports requires scientific research, research and development, implementation and industrial testing of energysaving technologies that have high accuracy, speed, uniformity, compactness and ease of maintenance, care, and installation.Management of the power supply modes of the port industry enterprise must be carried out in order to maintain the characteristics and modes of operation of individual elements of the power supply system within the limits of regulatory parameters, in order to avoid disruption of their normal functioning, prevention and localization of accidents, and improvement of the overall quality of operational and dispatch management of the power system.A comprehensive solution to the problem of power supply to port industry enterprises requires the development of a modern system of accounting and control of power consumption parameters. In order to improve the technical and economic performance of energy companies, it is necessary to develop an automated system for monitoring and accounting for electricity consumption, which provides solutions to the problems of commercial and technical accounting of consumed energy and power, as well as data processing and archiving.The automated system of control and accounting of electricity consumption of enterprises of the port industry should perform the functions of technical and commercial accounting of electricity and power, collect, process and accumulate energy consumption data, as well as monitor the parameters of the quality of electrical energy.Keywords: energy efficiency, power supply, port industry enterprises, infrastructure of sea ports, competitiveness