Port Management Research Articles

Optimizing Port Operations: A Literature Review of the Relationship between Facility Management, Human Resources, Licensing, Loading and Unloading Productivity, and Port Performance in Maritime Transportation

Port operations are crucial for maintaining efficient maritime transportation. Factors such as facility management, human resources, and licensing have a significant impact on port productivity and overall performance. Differences in management approaches, human resource involvement, and licensing regulations can lead to variations in productivity between ports. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive literature review to understand the relationship between these factors and identify best practices for optimizing port operations. The research method involves analyzing literature on port management, human resources, licensing, stevedoring productivity, and port performance. The results indicate that integrating careful facility management, competent human resource management, and strict licensing compliance can significantly improve port productivity and overall performance. These findings have important implications for developing strategies and policies to optimize port operations and improve the efficiency of maritime transportation.

Implementation of Entrepreneurship Course in Maritime Higher Education

Entrepreneurship course is one of the subjects given to seventh semester cadets majoring in Sea Transportation and Port Management at the College of Shipping. This study aims to determine the implementation as well as an evaluation for further entrepreneurship learning. The evaluation was conducted using the Kirkpatrick evaluation model developed by Mullins which consists of four aspects: satisfaction, learning, behaviour and impact. The method used is a combination of quantitative and qualitative with data analysis in the form of percentages. The sample was taken from 140 cadets who had completed the entrepreneurship course. Data was collected through a questionnaire administered via google form. The results showed that the level 1 evaluation of cadets' satisfaction in learning showed an average score of 71% satisfied learning entrepreneurship and 29% dissatisfied. From the level 2 evaluation, it was obtained that the average cognitive, affective and psychomotor learning outcomes had increased. Level 3 evaluation of entrepreneurial behaviour obtained an average increase of 20 points. Level 4 evaluation of the impact of learning obtained 82% of cadets think it is suitable to be continued, and 75% think entrepreneurship learning is effective in making cadets become entrepreneurs, and 72% form cadets to carry out business activities.

Eksplorasi Potensi Penggunaan Blockchain Dalam Optimalisasi Manajemen Pelabuhan di Indonesia: Tinjauan Literatur

This research explores the potential use of Blockchain technology to optimize port management in Indonesia, which is a crucial element in the global supply chain. The research method employed is a literature review, with analysis and synthesis of information to understand Blockchain's contribution to improving port management. The identified potential uses of Blockchain include real-time logistics tracking and monitoring, data validation and authentication, increased transparency and trust, and port process efficiency. The study also highlights the use of smart technology and smart contracts in port management, as well as challenges in adopting Blockchain technology. A comprehensive conceptual framework is proposed for the application of Blockchain in Indonesia's maritime industry, including a feasibility analysis framework to assess implementation readiness. The results of this literature review are expected to provide deep insights and serve as a foundation for further research and assist stakeholders in making decisions related to the application of Blockchain technology in port management.

Port Logistics and Supply Chain Management: An Empirical Review

Ports play a critical role in the global economy, acting as vital links within international transportation networks. Their efficiency and effectiveness directly impact the performance of global supply chains. This paper examines the intersection of port logistics and supply chain management (SCM) through an empirical lens. We review existing research to explore how SCM principles can be applied to enhance port operations and overall supply chain performance. The paper begins by outlining the evolving role of ports in today's globalized trade environment. It then delves into the core concepts of SCM and their relevance to port management. The subsequent sections review empirical studies that investigate the impact of SCM practices on port performance metrics such as cost, efficiency, and service quality. We explore key areas like collaboration, information technology (IT) integration, and infrastructure development, highlighting their contributions to improved supply chain visibility and streamlined logistics processes.The review also identifies critical research gaps and proposes future research directions. We emphasize the need for studies that explore the impact of emerging technologies like block-chain and artificial intelligence (AI) on port logistics and SCM integration. Additionally, the paper underscores the growing importance of sustainability practices within port operations and their role in enhancing overall supply chain resilience.

Artificial Intelligence in Indonesian Ports: Opportunities and Challenges

The primary objective of this study is to ascertain the potential advantages and obstacles associated with implementing artificial intelligence (AI) within the context of Indonesian ports. The study utilises qualitative methodologies, namely conducting in-depth interviews with port managers, technicians, and operational staff. Additionally, it involves the analysis of secondary data derived from yearly port reports, case studies, and academic literature. The findings demonstrate that artificial intelligence (AI) can augment operational efficiency, boost ship traffic management, and automate container handling activities within Indonesian ports. Nevertheless, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) within Indonesian ports is currently in its nascent phase, encountering challenges about physical limitations, human capital, and regulatory frameworks. The investigation also examines using interconnected technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and augmented reality (AR), to provide additional advantages to the port sector. In summary, via a comprehensive comprehension and effective utilisation of the opportunities afforded by artificial intelligence (AI), Indonesian ports have the potential to position themselves as frontrunners in the international maritime sector.

Probabilistic assessment of climate-related impacts and risks in ports

Port activities are crucial for sustained, long-term economic growth, serving as the primary nodes for importing and exporting goods within global supply chains. Given their coastal locations, ports are inherently exposed to climate hazards, such as waves and extreme sea levels, requiring large investments in resilient infrastructure. This study introduces an innovative methodology for assessing climate-related impacts and risks in ports, applicable to both existing and new constructions. This approach aims to facilitate climate-informed decision-making and enhance the management of coastal structures and ports under high uncertainty. The methodology’s novelty resides in: (1) the development of a port-specific risk framework capable of estimating impacts from both extreme events and daily conditions; (2) the integration of the latest advancements in nearshore climate hazard modeling; (3) the application of high-resolution tools for accurately simulating wave propagation towards harbor basins and the interaction between waves and structures; (4) the probabilistic determination of failure modes and operational shutdowns susceptible to climate conditions; and (5) the estimation of economic losses resulting from diminished operational capacity, in addition to the degradation of reliability and functionality in port infrastructures. Formulated within the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) risk framework and anchored in established Spanish Recommendations for Maritime Works (ROM Program), this methodology has been applied to a complex, state-owned, newly-built outer port in the Mediterranean Sea. Preliminary findings suggest that, over the course of a 50-year lifespan, climate-related risks could lead to cumulative losses nearing 10 million euros for such infrastructure. Nevertheless, in scenarios marked by extreme events, potential losses could escalate to as much as 100 million euros, despite their occurrence being relatively rare (with a probability of only 0.1%). It stresses the significant uncertainties encountered when evaluating climate-related risks for critical infrastructure, including ports, and highlights the critical need for advanced methodologies to accurately understand these risks.

Model of Sustainable Belawan Harbor Waters Pollution Management Scheme

This study aims to analyze the impact of industrial activities on water quality in Belawan Port, Medan City. The methods used included field surveys, water sampling, and in-depth interviews with stakeholders and communities around the harbor. The results showed that industrial activities at the port significantly affected water quality parameters such as acidity, heavy metal concentration, and the number of pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, the socio-economic conditions of the community around Belawan Port also affect awareness of the environment and the cleanliness of the waters. This study concludes that water pollution management in Belawan Harbor requires an integrated approach between the government, port management, industry, and local communities. Collaborative efforts are needed to implement more effective and sustainable policies to maintain environmental sustainability in this port area. Key recommendations include the establishment of an Integrated Water Quality Management Team and increased active participation from all stakeholders in keeping the waters and environment around Belawan Port clean.

Efficient multi-party PSI and its application in port management

Private Set Intersection (PSI) technology is a cryptographic tool that allows the parties holding private data to determine the intersection of sets in a joint computation without revealing any additional privacy information. As a critical component of secure multi-party computation, this technology has been widely used in the security domain of artificial intelligence and data mining. With the emergence of the era of multi-source data sharing, protocols for private set intersection computation applicable to multiple participants have also emerged. However, the performance of existing multi-party private set intersection (MPSI) protocols is suboptimal when some participants use devices with limited communication or computational capabilities, such as mobile devices. To overcome the above issues, we design a cloud-aided multi-party private set intersection protocol (Cloud-Aided-MPSI) based on oblivious programmable pseudorandom functions (OPPRF) and oblivious key–value stores (OKVS). Due to the protocol efficiently outsourcing partial computational and communication tasks to cloud servers, our performance has been further enhanced compared to existing work. Through the Cloud-Aided-MPSI protocol, we propose a port scheduling protocol for coordinated management scenarios of ships arriving and departing from ports. The protocol effectively addresses the privacy protection concerns of port management when scheduling the arrival and departure of ships. We analyze the performance of this protocol.

Enhancing Multimodal Route Optimization in Maritime Transport: Integrating Real-Time Data and Professionalism

This research investigates methods to enhance multimodal route optimization in the maritime sector through the integration of real-time traffic data and professionalism standards. Conducted by researchers and lecturers at the Maritime Institute, the study involves 100 cadets predominantly studying multimodal transportation, logistics, and port management. The research utilises qualitative methods to explore cadets' perspectives on route optimization and professionalism in the industry. Findings reveal a recognition of the significance of real-time traffic data for informed routing decisions, along with an emphasis on compliance with international standards, training, and ethical considerations. Furthermore, cadets perceive machine learning algorithms as effective tools to address the complexities of route optimization. These insights contribute to advancing knowledge in transportation management and education, highlighting the importance of integrating real-time data and professionalism in enhancing route optimization practices.

Expert consensus on the whole-course management of implantable venous access port in the upper arm of cancer patients (2024 edition)

As one of a major public health issue in China, the number of new cases and deaths of malignant tumors has been climbing year by year. Implantable venous access port (IVAP) is used as a safe infusion route in the treatment of malignant tumor patients such as infusion of antitumor drugs and intravenous nutrition. With the widespread application of ultrasound-guided Sedinger puncture techniques and intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology, IVAP in the upper arm has been recognized by the majority of medical personnel and cancer patients due to its advantages of hiding scars and completely avoiding the risk of hemothorax and pneumothorax. In order to standardize the clinical application of IVAP via the upper arm approach in cancer patients, improve the success rate of implantation, reduce complications and improve patient satisfaction, the Breast Cancer Expert Committee of the National Cancer Quality Control Center consulted guidelines and the latest evidence-based evidences and established the expert consensus on the whole-course management of implantable venous access port in the upper arm of cancer patients through literature research and expert discussions, in order to provide reference for the standard application of IVAP in the upper arm. The consensus mainly introduces the indications, contraindications, preoperative evaluation, implantation site, operation procedure, utilization and maintenance, complications and management, medical staff training and patient education of IVAP in the upper arm, in order to provide reference for clinical staff.

Compound climate change risk analysis for port infrastructures

Ports serve as essential nodes for coastal and maritime transportation and are key sources of income and economic activity in coastal zones. This significance, combined with their location in coastal areas, which are prone to climate-driven impacts, makes them highly susceptible to climate change effects. In this work, a climate change risk assessment methodology for port infrastructures that is focused on compound events analysis is presented. This approach is based on a spatial high-resolution probabilistic framework that enables the evaluation of port performance evolution under the effects of climate change. This assessment draws from a multimodel characterization of the evolution of several climate drivers for different emission scenarios and time horizons. It accounts for multiple port infrastructure risks and considers the compound effects of climate drivers and the interdependencies of infrastructures as complex systems. Performance indicators are developed for the physical assets and services at port locations on a highly granular scale, thus allowing port managers and planners to allocate reserves and develop adaptation plans that reduce climate change risks in the operations of maritime transportation nodes based on port performance forecasts. The methodology is implemented in two case studies set in the northern coast of Spain, demonstrating its applicability and replicability among several locations and scales.

Spatial Analysis and Risk Evaluation for Port Crisis Management Using Integrated Soft Computing and GIS-Based Models: A Case Study of Jazan Port, Saudi Arabia

A hazard zoning map is the most essential tool during the crisis management cycle’s prevention and risk reduction phase. In this study, a geographic information system (GIS) is applied to the crisis management of ports through the preparation of a risk zoning map in Jazan Port, Saudi Arabia, using a novel integrated model of the fuzzy hierarchical analysis process and emotional artificial neural network (FAHP-EANN). The objective is to more accurately identify the highly potential risk zones in the port through hybrid techniques, which mitigates the associated life and financial damages through proper management during a probable hazard. Prior to creating the risk zoning map, every potential port accident is identified, categorized into six criteria, and assigned a weight through the utilization of a machine learning algorithm. The findings indicate that the three most effective criteria for the risks of Jazan Port are land fires, pollution and dangerous substances, and human behavior, respectively. A zoning map of all risks in Jazan Port was generated by using the weights obtained for each of the major accidents. This map may be utilized in the development of crisis prevention measures for the port and in the formation of crisis management units.

Addressing Challenges in Port Depth Analysis: Integrating Machine Learning and Spatial Information for Accurate Remote Sensing of Turbid Waters.

Bathymetry estimation is essential for various applications in port management, navigation safety, marine engineering, and environmental monitoring. Satellite remote sensing data can rapidly acquire the bathymetry of the target shallow waters, and researchers have developed various models to invert the water depth from the satellite data. Geographically weighted regression (GWR) is a common method for satellite-based bathymetry estimation. However, in sediment-laden water environments, especially ports, the suspended materials significantly affect the performance of GWR for depth inversion. This study proposes a novel approach that integrates GWR with Random Forest (RF) techniques, using longitude, latitude, and multispectral remote sensing reflectance as input variables. This approach effectively addresses the challenge of estimating bathymetry in turbid waters by considering the strong correlation between water depth and geographical location. The proposed method not only overcomes the limitations of turbid waters but also improves the accuracy of depth inversion results in such complex aquatic settings. This breakthrough in modeling has significant implications for turbid waters, enhancing port management, navigational safety, and environmental monitoring in sediment-laden maritime zones.

An integrated approach to strengthening maritime security: a case study of Gwadar Port of Pakistan

Gwadar Port is a vital component of Pakistan’s development and an essential element in the Belt and Road Initiative and the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor. Its completion holds the promise of economic growth for Baluchistan and Pakistan and provides a crucial trade route for land-locked Central Asian nations. Gwadar Port faces many significant challenges related to security due to the region’s poverty, instability, and particularly its separatist activities. To address this, a study has been conducted to determine how to improve maritime security at Gwadar Port. The study uses a literature review, comparative analysis, and field research to examine the factors that affect port security. Terrorist acts, particularly those planned by organizations such as the Baluchistan People’s Liberation Army, pose the greatest security risks. Additionally, the unique management approach of Gwadar Port presents other security challenges. This study on the experience of port management in China and Pakistan offers strategies for enhancing security management in Gwadar Port. These strategies include improved coordination between entities, increased security measures, and strengthened cooperation with the Chinese stakeholders engaged in port projects. Prioritizing the development of local communities and education is crucial to ensure the well-being of both port workers and the surrounding population. The conclusion stresses the significance of international cooperation, the sharing of information, and improved foresight to strengthen the security framework of Gwadar Port. Integrating best practices and refining approaches will improve safety management, safeguard the facilities, and foster their sustainable growth.

Study on the Relationship between Port Governance and Terminal Operation System for Smart Port: Japan Case

Background: To improve port productivity, safety, and sustainability, the use of information and communication technology is being promoted as a smart port. The utilization of a terminal operation system (TOS) is important for advanced port operations, and it is necessary to organize the issues and characteristics of the TOS. Methods: The characteristics of TOSs introduced in Japan and those widely introduced in Europe and Southeast Asia will be investigated and discussed according to the port management system in Japan. Results: Japanese TOSs are characterized by a lack of automated functions, such as ship loading plans, and by the fact that they are designed to allow the crane driver to select the order of operations, which may be attributed to a system wherein stakeholders are segmented and on-site decisions are emphasized. The promotion of smart ports in Japanese-style ports requires a system for information linkage between stakeholders. Conclusions: TOS capabilities for smart ports should be implemented according to the characteristics of port management in each region, and the studies conducted in this paper are useful in examining port system implementation strategies.

Optimization And Implementation of Waste Management Planning on Indonesian Flag Non-Convention Ships Sailing in Indonesian Waters

Abstract Waste is one of the objects of concern on ships, especially in terms of its storage and disposal, where more attention must be given to all ships with a gross tonnage of one hundred or more. Every ship certified to carry fifteen people or more, and every fixed or floating platform must have a waste management planning on ship, which includes written procedures for minimizing, collecting, storing, processing and disposing of waste including the use of equipment on the ship. In discussing this material, the researchers analyze the procedures and handling of waste disposal on Indonesian-flagged non-conventional ships. The method used in this research was the case research method. Data collection techniques included observation, interviews and library research methods. The research results show that on Indonesian-flagged non-conventional ships entering the Port of Makassar, there was still waste thrown into the sea, especially by crew members who did not comply with the waste management procedures regulated in The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships Annex V. Ships - Non-conventional ships had not handled waste in accordance with The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 73/78 regulations due to various factors, one of which is that there is no equipment for handling waste in the ship and the lack of understanding of ship crew members in protecting the maritime environment. It is recommended that the company supervise the handling of waste in the ship and on the other hand, the port management must prepare waste storage facilities.

Optimization of integrated scheduling of restricted channels, berths, and yards in bulk cargo ports considering carbon emissions

In recent years, the demand for dry bulk cargo trade has increased, and the scheduling pressure on bulk cargo ports is increasing daily. The most effective and cost-effective way to alleviate the pressure of port scheduling management rapidly is to optimize the overall scheduling of different port resources. Channel vessel scheduling and berth–yard loading and unloading operations are usually regarded as independent operations; however, plans that meet the needs of comprehensive port management can only be effectively developed through the integrated scheduling of multiple resources. Therefore, from the perspective of overall port management and operation, considering practical factors in scheduling, this article construct a multiobjective optimization model for the overall scheduling of restricted channels, berths, and yards in bulk cargo ports. Based on actual allocation principles, corresponding allocation algorithms for storage yards and stacker–reclaimer machines are designed, and these algorithms are combined with a multiobjective genetic algorithm to construct the NSGA-II-DPGR algorithm for model calculation. Results show that the proposed model and algorithm can provide vessel scheduling and cargo loading and unloading plans. This article experimentally verify the rationality of the results, the superiority of the strategy compared to the traditional first-come, first-serve strategy, and the feasibility of combining the proposed model and algorithm with onshore scheduling in the future.

Исследование модернизации морского пассажирского порта на основе цифрового двойника и оценка инфраструктуры с помощью динамических данных от беспилотных авиационных систем

The current state of the maritime passenger transportation industry is considered, as well as the factors influencing the chosen industry are investigated (competition between ports in the sea region, new environmental requirements and a shortage of space for new ports and terminals in megacities). Models of the evolution of seaports and terminals in the regions of the seas are analyzed and the need to solve the problem of forecasting development, reasonable modernization is revealed infrastructure. The importance of integrating passenger ports into urban transport systems and ensuring effective interconnection of maritime transport with regional transport systems is noted. Special attention is paid to the growth and development potential of sea ferries and cruises in the Baltic Sea region, the historical importance of St. Petersburg for cruise tourism and the need for the gradual restoration of the port and the development of new route networks are noted. The necessity of developing new methods for modernizing the infrastructure of passenger seaports based on the creation of digital models and the use of dynamic data is substantiated. As a solution, it is proposed to create a new digital model of a marine passenger port using information obtained from unmanned aircraft systems. This model will accurately take into account the infrastructural features of passenger ports and terminals, as well as the established priority of berths for the service of cruise and ferry ships. For multi-scenario modeling, a new digital model of the marine passenger port of St. Petersburg “Marine Façade” is proposed. To analyze the simulation results, the developed software modules in the Python programming language are proposed to describe the behavior strategies of the decision maker (port manager). To describe the decision-making process in the conditions of uncertainty that arises when making a decision on the modernization of the port infrastructure, the choice of the Wald criterion was justified as a criterion. A series of experiments was performed, based on the data, digital 2D and 3D models of a marine passenger port were formed for subsequent use in the AnyLogic environment, and a digital twin was built. A distinctive feature of the model is the up-to-date information on the state of the transport infrastructure and integration with data on ship calls. The presented model, methods of working with the results of multi-dimensional modeling, the use of unmanned aircraft systems, and the development of a model based on decision-making under uncertainty can be applied to other passenger seaports and terminals, which emphasizes the universality of the proposed approach.

The implementation of berth allocation policies that enable Just-in-Time arrival in port calls

PurposeJust-in-Time (JIT) arrival in the context of port calls can be used to reduce fuel and emissions to achieve environmental targets. The purpose of this paper is to study the implementation process of the Pre-booking Berth Allocation Policy (PBP) and analyze the effectiveness of this policy for the implementation of JIT in port calls.Design/methodology/approachThe study deploys a single case study approach to empirically analyze port authority’s transition from a first-come-first-served (FCFS) arrival policy to the PBP. Observations, interviews and documents were used to collect data during 2020–2022. The analysis deployed the capability, opportunity, motivation and behavior model.FindingsThe transition from FCFS to PBP requires an inter-organizational approach, engaging external actors to manage diverse needs and preferences. This fosters effective transition and addresses conflicting interests. The PBP enables JIT arrival, enhancing operational and environmental performance, but faces barriers such as resource dependency and lack of trust. Information sharing capability among the actors, supported by Port Community Systems and adjusted operating rules, is crucial. Moreover, the PBP facilitates integration between sea and hinterland transportation, improving planning and efficiency across maritime transportation chains.Research limitations/implicationsThe single case study limits the generalizability of the findings.Practical implicationsImplementing the PBP is complex and demands careful planning from managers. Involving port call actors in the transition is helpful for port managers because they provide valuable feedback and highlight overlooked issues.Originality/valueFive propositions are suggested to highlight the role of inter-organizational collaboration, information sharing and overcoming barriers such as resource dependency to successfully realize the benefits of JIT in maritime transportation chains.

The critical success factors of smart port digitalization development in the post-COVID-19 era

The international outbreak of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) at the end of 2019 has caused an indelible impact on the global economy. However, it has grown against the trend in unmanned distribution and online consumption. In recent years, the maritime industry has gradually introduced artificial intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Things, and big data. Through literature review and expert interviews, this research figures out the development status of smart ports at home and abroad and the digital development barriers of ports and then uses the Fuzzy Delphi and the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process method to identify three dimensions and thirteen key factors target companies. The survey targets shipping companies, shipping agencies, and port management companies. The paper conducted the questionnaires to identify the critical success factors of port digitization. It was found that the “digital solutions” dimension had the highest weight value among the three dimensions and the top five critical factors in the overall ranking were based on the order of “carbon emission management,” “enhancing port safety”, “technology standardization,” “digital asset management,” and “optimization of the supply chain.” The result of this study can help port operators and shipping companies identify critical success factors of smart ports and adopt port digital development strategies for operation efficiency improvement and climate change mitigation.