Examining the economic impact of transport complex economies

Transport complex economies (TCEs), which comprise both upstream and downstream firms in the transport chain that conduct shipping and trade-related activities, can be desirable locations for port users (e.g., traders, logistics service providers, shipping lines and terminal operators) to perform their business activities. To explore TCEs, this study identifies trade facilitation measures at both the macro and micro levels to enhance regional performance. Hypotheses have been developed to build a theoretical model to illustrate the relationship between trade facilitation activities and trade costs. The economic outcomes are also examined in the theoretical model. To validate the proposed model, we have collected data from the World Bank and employed structural equation modelling. The result suggests that trade facilitation measures are negatively associated with trade cost. The result also suggests that the trade facilitation measures of a region is positively associated with its economic performance. Based on the findings, users can formulate effective and efficient strategies to select a location for their firm to conduct business activities. The findings illustrate the importance of the development of social capital for trade facilitation from the perspective of policy makers

Critical infrastructures cybersecurity and the maritime sector

The paper addresses cyber-security in the maritime field, a sector increasingly vulnerable to cyber-attacks due to advances that are already in the process of implementation. This paper explores the level of knowledge and training required on the subject and its interaction with marine ecosystem. For this reason, we will carry out a deep bibliographic review in which we will support our later study. We will analyze the results obtained in an online questionnaire answered by experienced maritime professionals. The results show a lack of general knowledge in the field of maritime cybersecurity. Therefore, it is necessary to increase training levels in the maritime sector and the port interface connection with the supply chain. © 2020 The Author(s)

A risk assessment approach to improve the resilience of a seaport system using Bayesian networks

Over the years, many efforts have been focused on developing methods to design seaport systems, yet disruption still occur because of various human, technical and random natural events. Much of the available data to design these systems are highly uncertain and difficult to obtain due to the number of events with vague and imprecise parameters that need to be modelled. A systematic approach that handles both quantitative and qualitative data, as well as means of updating existing information when new knowledge becomes available is required. Resilience, which is the ability of complex systems to recover quickly after severe disruptions, has been recognised as an important characteristic of maritime operations. This paper presents a modelling approach that employs Bayesian belief networks to model various influencing variables in a seaport system. The use of Bayesian belief networks allows the influencing variables to be represented in a hierarchical structure for collaborative design and modelling of the system. Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) is utilised to evaluate the relative influence of each influencing variable. It is envisaged that the proposed methodology could provide safety analysts with a flexible tool to implement strategies that would contribute to the resilience of maritime systems

Place branding of seaports in the Middle East

This paper analyses seaports’ brand personalities as a means of understanding similarities and differences of these important locations and their relationship with their host place image. Drawing upon Aaker’s (J Mark Res 34:347–356, 1997) brand personality construct, the study presents lexical analysis from the websites of nine seaports in the Middle East. Each seaport’s website is content analysed, and the brand personality is measured using Aaker’s (1997) framework and Opoku’s (Licentiate Thesis, Lulea University of Technology, ISSN, 1402-1757, 2005) dictionary of synonyms. Findings show that seaports have developed a level of isomorphism upon particular dimensions of brand image; however, the findings also show the most distinctive seaports were linking their seaport to their place brand. In particular, the findings show only the Port of Jebel Ali has a clear and distinctive brand personality and to a lesser extent the Ports of Sohar, Shahid Rajee and Khor Fakkan. The research has important management implications of branding for public diplomacy and demonstrates seaport brand positioning in relation to place branding, used to inform public communication and marketing

Allometric relationship and development potential comparison of ports in a regional cluster: A case study of ports in the Pearl River Delta in China

The development potential of a regional port cluster (RPC) is subject to the internal and external factors influencing port development. Port cargo throughput is an important internal factor, whereas import and export volume is a significant external factor. The growth rate of import and export volume is disproportionate to that of port cargo throughput. This study aims to measure the allometric relationship between the two abovementioned factors and establish a comprehensive development potential evaluation system on the basis of the RPC growth rate. This work uses a case study of the ports in China's Pearl River Delta, which is being greatly influenced by the framework agreement and outline of the development of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) in China. Findings reveal that import and export volume has a higher impact on port development potential than does port cargo throughput. In addition, Shenzhen has the highest development potential in terms of import and export volume, while Zhuhai Port has the highest potential in terms of port cargo throughput. Finally, an evaluation using the comprehensive development potential evaluation system shows that Shenzhen Port has the best comprehensive port development potential. Evaluating the development potential of ports in RPCs will offer useful insights that can be used by regional port company groups and relevant governmental authorities in making scientific decisions on port development and planning, especially in the crucial stage of the establishment of the GBA, and in rationally coordinating their development and minimizing unfair competition

A Benchmarking Study of the Impacts of Security Regulations on Container Port Efficiency

Since the terrorist attacks in the USA in September 2001, several regulations have been introduced with a special emphasis on the security of containerised port operations. Global security measures specifically targeting container-port operations include the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code, the Container Security Initiative (CSI), and the 24-hour Advance Vessel Manifest Rule (the 24-hour rule). Nevertheless, no attempt has been made to-date to investigate the ex-post impacts of security on the operational efficiency of container ports and terminals. This PhD research seeks to adopt an approach that incorporates within an analytical framework the association of security with operational efficiency, tools for modelling procedural security, and techniques for benchmarking container-port efficiency. A panel data set of 39 ports and 60 container terminals from 2000 until 2006 is used resulting into 420 container-terminal decision-making units (DMUs). In order to account equally for container terminal operational configurations and the multi-input/ multi-output nature of container port production, we apply both process modelling and analytical benchmarking techniques. These are the Integrated Computer Aided Manufacturing Definition (IDEF0) for operational and security modelling, and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) for efficiency measurement and benchmarking. Based on the results of IDEF0 modelling, we disaggregate container-port operations by terminal sites (quay, yard and gate) and spatial scope of security and apply alternative DEA models to analyse (i) the operational impact of individual and aggregate security regulations and (ii) the influence of operating and exogenous factors on port efficiency. We then estimate a Malmquist productivity index (MPI) to measure and decompose productivity changes following the introduction of new security measures. The results of the research confirm that both handling configurations and operating procedures have a direct effect on container terminal’s productive efficiency. The analysis of the impact of security on operational efficiency shows that the latter varies greatly by security regulation and terminal group but there is evidence of generalised productivity gains from the technological progress prompted by investments in the new security technology. More importantly, the implementation of the new port security measures revealed several inherent logistical inefficiencies especially in the way terminal policies and work procedures are being designed, operated, and managed