Search Results (40)

In the context of increasingly complex and dynamic maritime logistics, seaports serve as critical nodes for intermodal transport, energy distribution, and global trade. Ensuring the safe and uninterrupted operation of port infrastructure—particularly berths—is vital for maintaining supply chain resilience. This study explores the impact of multiple risk categories on berth efficiency in a seaport, aligning with the growing emphasis on maritime safety and risk-informed decision-making. A two-stage methodology is adopted. In the first phase, the DEA CCR input-oriented model is employed to assess the efficiency of selected berths considered as Decision Making Units (DMUs). In the second phase, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to categorize and quantify the impact of four major risk classes—operational, technical, safety, and environmental—on berth efficiency. The results demonstrate that operational and safety risks contribute 63.91% of the composite weight in the AHP risk assessment hierarchy. These findings are highly relevant to contemporary efforts in maritime risk modeling, especially for individual ports and port systems with high berth utilization and vulnerability to system disruptions. The proposed integrated approach offers a scalable and replicable decision-support tool for port authorities, port operators, planners, and maritime safety stakeholders, enabling proactive risk mitigation, optimal utilization of available resources in a port, and improved berth performance. Its methodological design is appropriately suited to support further applications in port resilience frameworks and maritime safety strategies, being one of the bases for establishing collision avoidance strategies related to an individual port and/or port system, too. Full article

Background: The transportation of petroleum products via multimodal logistics systems is a complex process subject to operational inefficiencies and elevated risk exposure. The efficient and resilient transportation of petroleum products increasingly depends on multimodal logistics systems, where operational risks and process inefficiencies can significantly impact safety and performance. This study addresses the research question of how an integrated risk-based and workflow-driven approach can enhance the management of oil products logistics in complex port environments. Methods: A dual methodological framework was applied at the Port of Midia, Romania, combining a probabilistic risk assessment model, quantifying incident probability, infrastructure vulnerability, and exposure, with dynamic business process modeling (BPM) using specialized software. The workflow simulation replicated real-world multimodal oil operations across maritime, rail, road, and inland waterway segments. Results: The analysis identified human error, technical malfunctions, and environmental hazards as key risk factors, with an aggregated major incident probability of 2.39%. BPM simulation highlighted critical bottlenecks in customs processing, inland waterway lock transit, and road tanker dispatch. Process optimizations based on simulation insights achieved a 25% reduction in operational delays. Conclusions: Integrating risk assessment with dynamic workflow modeling provides an effective methodology for improving the resilience, efficiency, and regulatory compliance of multimodal oil logistics operations. This approach offers practical guidance for port operators and contributes to advancing risk-informed logistics management in the petroleum supply chain. Full article

International trade plays a pivotal role in shaping global supply chains, which are increasingly vulnerable to disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions, pandemics, and environmental disasters. These disturbances, particularly in maritime logistics, can trigger cascading effects across global industries. This study aims to identify and prioritize strategic responses to such disruptions by employing a combined qualitative exploratory approach and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Expert judgments were obtained from 32 senior professionals across the maritime logistics and port management sectors during a structured evaluation conducted in the second quarter of 2025. AHP was utilized to systematically assess these inputs and determine the relative importance of resilience strategies. The results emphasize the need for adaptive, proactive, and sustainable logistics approaches to ensure long-term stability in maritime trade. By bridging a gap in the literature concerning integrated assessment of disruption responses, the study offers valuable insights for industry stakeholders and policymakers navigating an increasingly volatile global trade environment. Full article

Satellite networks face escalating cybersecurity threats from evolving attack vectors and systemic complexities. This paper proposes SatGuard, a novel framework integrating a three-dimensional penetration testing methodology and a nonlinear risk assessment mechanism tailored for satellite security. To address limitations of conventional tools in handling satellite-specific vulnerabilities, SatGuard employs large language models (LLMs) like GPT-4 and DeepSeek-R1. By leveraging their contextual reasoning and code-generation abilities, SatGuard enables semi-automated vulnerability analysis and exploitation. Validated in a simulated ground station environment, the framework achieved a 73.3% success rate (22/30 attempts) across critical ports, with an average of 5.5 human interactions per test. By bridging AI-driven automation with satellite-specific risk modeling, SatGuard advances cybersecurity for next-generation space infrastructure through scalable, ethically aligned solutions. Full article

The maritime industry is undergoing a digital transformation, integrating automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance operational efficiency and safety. However, this technological evolution has also increased cybersecurity vulnerabilities, exposing vessels, ports, and maritime communication networks to sophisticated cyber threats. This systematic review, conducted following the PRISMA guidelines, examines the current landscape of AI-driven cybersecurity solutions in maritime environments. By analyzing peer-reviewed studies and industry reports, this review identifies key AI methodologies, including machine-learning-based intrusion detection systems, anomaly detection mechanisms, predictive threat modeling, and AI-enhanced zero-trust architectures. This study assesses the effectiveness of these techniques in mitigating cyber risks, explores their implementation challenges, and highlights existing research gaps. The findings indicate that AI-powered solutions significantly enhance real-time threat detection and response capabilities in maritime networks, yet issues such as data scarcity, regulatory constraints, and adversarial attacks on AI models remain unresolved. Future research directions should focus on integrating AI with blockchain, federated learning, and quantum cryptographic techniques to strengthen maritime cybersecurity frameworks. Full article

Ports play a critical role in global trade, yet they are both contributors to and recipients of climate change. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis to examine the relationship between climate change and port operations, identifying key themes, methodological approaches, and research gaps within the literature, including the need for standardized vulnerability assessments, policy-driven adaptation strategies, and a more integrated, cross-regional approach to port resilience. A bibliometric analysis was performed using peer-reviewed journal articles indexed in the Web of Science. The study employed keyword-based searches, document screening, and bibliometric techniques such as publication trends, keyword co-occurrence analysis, citation impact evaluation, and research clustering. Studies were classified based on research focus, methods, data sources, and geographic scope. The analysis reveals three major research phases: theoretical contributions, empirical expansion, and an intensified focus on adaptation and resilience. Key trends include sea-level rise, port vulnerability, climate adaptation strategies, and emission reduction. Quantitative methods dominate, though qualitative studies contribute to governance and policy discussions. Research on port resilience is becoming increasingly interdisciplinary, integrating engineering, environmental science, policy, and maritime economics. The study identifies the United States, China, Europe, and the Mediterranean as the most focused regions in port-climate research. Understanding climate risks and adaptation strategies is essential for policymakers and stakeholders. The findings highlight the current push for resilience planning, emission mitigation, and policy interventions, with efforts by governmental and international organizations well documented in climate research. This study provides insights into emerging trends and research gaps, enhancing discussions on sustainable port management and climate resilience. Full article

Preventing fouling is crucial for maintaining ship performance, as it reduces speed, increases fuel consumption, raises greenhouse gas emissions, and spreads invasive species. Irgarol 1051, an antifouling agent (2, methythiol-4, tert-butylamino, 6-cyclopropylamino, s-triazine), is a toxic compound that impacts various marine species. It inhibits algal growth and disrupts key metabolites, posing a threat to the marine ecosystem. This study aimed to assess the toxic effects of Irgarol 1051 on Chlorella salina and Dunaliella bardawil, two nutrient-rich marine algae commonly used in fish feed. In addition, the suitability of the Mediterranean Sea coast for algal proliferation was assessed using geospatial techniques. The data were statistically examined using a two-way ANOVA test. Lethal and sublethal effects of Irgarol 1051 were measured in the laboratory to identify the consequences of this biocide on certain metabolite compositions. EC50 for C. salina and D. bardawil was estimated to be 0.50 µg·L⁻¹ and 0.025 µg·L⁻¹ respectively. IR spectroscopy of total cell constituents, protein profile, and the damaging effects of antioxidants have been evaluated for the two algal species. The findings of this study revealed that Irgarol 1051 negatively affected all the examined metabolites in both algal species, with more pronounced impacts on the wall-less alga Dunaliella bardawil compared to the walled alga Chlorella salina. A notable increase in total antioxidants was observed in both algae as the Irgarol concentration increased. The study reveals high algal growth areas near the Nile Delta along the Egyptian coast, potentially vulnerable to the effects of Irgarol 1051 due to nutrient runoff and eutrophication. The spatial analyses showed that the growth of C. saline and D. bardawil in Egyptian seawater is high in front of the Nile delta governorates: Port Said, Damietta, and Dakhalia shores reporting 6, 4.5, and 4 mg·m⁻³, respectively. The level of mass chlorophyll “a” in front of the Egyptian northern governorates can be ordered as follows: Port Said > Damietta > Dakahlia > North Sinia > Kafr El-Sheikh > Alexandria > Matrouh. This study highlights the use of spatial analyses to assess algal distribution, pollution impact, and ecosystem vulnerability along the Egyptian Mediterranean coast for effective environmental management. Full article

Air pollution, particularly from coarse particulate matter (PM₁₀), is a major public health concern, significantly contributing to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, especially among vulnerable populations. In 2024, Brazil introduced a new air quality resolution (CONAMA Resolution No. 506/2024), aligning its ultimate goal with the World Health Organization’s 2021 guidelines while establishing specific timelines for the interim targets. However, these interim targets, set for 2025, 2033, and 2044, along with the absence of a deadline for the final target of 15 µg/m³, raise concerns about their adequacy in addressing the urgent health impacts of air pollution. This study evaluates the economic and public health benefits of accelerating these targets in the city of Rio Grande, a region characterized by an industrial and port-driven economy and an aging population particularly vulnerable to air pollution. Using health impact assessments, economic cost analyses, and mortality estimates, we modeled three scenarios with PM₁₀ concentration limits of 30 µg/m³, 20 µg/m³, and 15 µg/m³, corresponding to the resolution’s 2033 and 2044 goals and the undated final target. Our findings indicate that achieving the 15 µg/m³ target by 2025 could prevent 2568 respiratory hospitalizations, 1551 cardiac hospitalizations, and 1128 air pollution-related deaths in Rio Grande, resulting in approximately BRL 7.3 million in healthcare savings. When extrapolated to cities with similar pollution profiles across Brazil, these results suggest substantial potential for reducing the health burdens and economic costs nationwide. This study underscores the urgent need to establish more ambitious timelines in Brazil’s air quality policies to maximize public health benefits and mitigate the economic impacts of air pollution. Full article

The extraction, processing and transport of crude oil in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria has long been associated with collateral environmental damage to the largest mangrove ecosystem in Africa. Oil pollution is impacting not only one of the planet’s most ecologically diverse regions but also the health, livelihoods, and social cohesion of the Delta region inhabitants. Quantifying and directly associating localised oil pollution events to specific petrochemical infrastructure is complicated by the difficulty of monitoring such vast and complex terrain, with documented concerns regarding the thoroughness and impartiality of reported oil pollution events. Earth Observation (EO) offers a means to deliver such a monitoring and assessment capability using Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) measurements as a proxy for mangrove biomass health. However, the utility of EO can be impacted by persistent cloud cover in such regions. To overcome such challenges here, we present a workflow that leverages EO-derived high-resolution (10 m) synthetic aperture radar data from the Sentinel-1 satellite constellation combined with machine learning to conduct observations of the spatial land cover changes associated with oil pollution-induced mangrove mortality proximal to pipeline networks in a 9000 km² region of Rivers State located near Port Harcourt. Our analysis identified significant deforestation from 2016–2024, with an estimated mangrove mortality rate of 5644 hectares/year. Using our empirically derived Pipeline Impact Indicator (PII), we mapped the oil pipeline network to 1 km resolution, highlighting specific pipeline locations in need of immediate intervention and restoration, and identified several new pipeline sites showing evidence of significant oil spill damage that have yet to be formally reported. Our findings emphasise the critical need for the continuous and comprehensive monitoring of oil extractive regions using satellite remote sensing to support decision-making and policies to mitigate environmental and societal damage from pipeline oil spills, particularly in ecologically vulnerable regions such as the Niger Delta. Full article

The Gambia’s coastline, known for its unique ecosystems and vital role in the country’s economy through fisheries, tourism, and agriculture, is becoming increasingly vulnerable as a result of the combined effects of climate change and human activity. This coastline sustains an important portion of the population by providing livelihoods and contributing to food security, as well as housing critical infrastructure including ports, urban areas, and tourism hubs. However, as climate change intensifies pre-existing vulnerabilities, such as increased sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events, these socio-economic assets are becoming more and more vulnerable. As a result, this study focused on investigating the physical vulnerability of the coastline in the context of climate change. The vulnerability assessment was conducted using the coastal vulnerability index approach, utilising a combination of oceanographic data, remote sensing, and field observations. The research outcomes supported the identification of key areas at risk and examined the contributing factors such as tidal ranges, storm surges, and human activities. The findings highlight the immediate and long-term threats to coastal communities, infrastructure, and natural habitats. Due to the vulnerability provided by geological and geomorphological factors, the average Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) score of 29 indicates a high level of exposure to coastal hazards from Buniadu Point to Barra. From Banjul to Cape Point, the average coastline dynamic rate is positive at 0.21 m/year, indicating some accretion. Despite this, the CVI score of 22 indicates significant vulnerability to coastal hazards from Bald Cape to Salifor Point. The study also explored potential mitigation and adaptation strategies to enhance coastal resilience to sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and flooding. Integrated and sustainable strategies were outlined to support policy-making and community-based initiatives towards safeguarding coastal regions of The Gambia against the backdrop of climate change. Full article

Inland water transportation is regarded as a crucial component of global trade, yet its reliability has been increasingly challenged by uncertainties such as extreme weather, port congestion, and geopolitical tensions. Although substantial research has focused on the structural characteristics of inland water transportation networks, the dynamic responses of these networks to disruptions remain insufficiently explored. This gap in understanding is critical for enhancing the resilience of global transportation systems as trade volumes grow and risks intensify. In this study, percolation theory was applied to evaluate the reliability of the Yangtze River transportation network. Ship voyage data from 2019 were used to construct a complex network model, and simulations of node removal were performed to identify key vulnerabilities within the network. The results showed that the failure of specific nodes significantly impacts the network’s connectivity, suggesting which nodes should be prioritized for protection. This research offers a dynamic framework for the assessment of inland water transportation network reliability and provides new insights that could guide policy decisions to improve the resilience of critical waterway systems. By identifying potential points of failure, this study contributes to the development of a more robust global trade infrastructure. Full article

This study evaluated the resilience of five major Chinese ports—Shanghai, Tsingtao, Shenzhen, Xiamen, and Qinzhou—against the impacts of tropical cyclones. These ports, as integral global maritime supply chain nodes, face rising vulnerabilities from climate-related disruptions such as typhoons, sea-level rise, and extreme temperature fluctuations. Employing a resilience assessment framework, this study integrated climate and operational data to gauge how cyclone-induced events affect port performance, infrastructure, and economic stability. Multi-centrality analysis and the Borda count method were applied to assess each port’s strategic importance and operational efficiency under cyclone exposure. The findings highlight variations in resilience across the ports, with Shanghai and Tsingtao showing heightened risk due to their critical roles within international logistics networks. This study suggests strategies like strengthening infrastructure, improving emergency responses, and adopting climate-resilient policies to make China’s ports more sustainable and resilient to climate threats. This research offers actionable insights for policymakers and port authorities, contributing to a more climate-resilient maritime logistics framework. Full article

Marine mammals near coastlines are highly vulnerable to human activities like rapid industrialisation, port construction, and sea reclamation, which can alter their habitat use. This study examines changes in the habitat use of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in the western Pearl River Estuary (WPRE) by employing a kernel density estimation model that considers physical barriers. Sighting records from systematic surveys in 2007–2008 and 2019–2020, along with remote sensing data, were used to analyse changes in shorelines and areas affected by maritime projects since 1973. Approximately 552.98 km² of water was permanently lost to reclamation between 1973 and 2020. In 2007–2008, dolphins preferred natural shorelines, while reclamation drove them away from artificial ones. By 2019–2020, their core habitat had decreased by two-thirds, with some areas disappearing, likely due to aquaculture expansion. These results highlight the importance of adopting improved environmental assessment methodologies in the planning and regulation of aquaculture activities in the WPRE to better protect the dolphin habitat. Full article

This study conducted a composite risk assessment to evaluate the environmental impacts of phenol, a Hazardous and Noxious Substance (HNS) released or leaked from port facilities. The study area was designated as the vicinity of Incheon Port, South Korea, where the volume of petrochemical-related materials is substantial and various industrial facilities are located. For the composite risk assessment, various vulnerability maps were developed, incorporating the dispersion range of phenol calculated through numerical modeling. The vulnerability maps were generated by classifying socio-environment, legally protected areas, habitats, and species, followed by integrating these individual vulnerability maps to construct an integrated vulnerability map. The composite risk assessment was conducted by considering both the integrated vulnerability map and the dispersion range of phenol. The assessment results indicated that the highest risk by depth was observed in the lower layers due to the settling characteristics of phenol. Spatially, areas where islands and coastlines converge exhibited relatively higher risks. This was attributed to the high concentrations of phenol released from industrial facilities, such as crude oil refineries, petrochemical plants, and organic compound manufacturers, in regions characterized by intense human activity, sensitive habitats, and legally protected areas. Continuous monitoring of these high-risk areas is crucial for assessing the environmental impacts of HNS substances like phenol. Full article

This article analyzes the climate vulnerability of seaports through a bibliometric review of 45 articles published between 2012 and 2023. The research highlights the increase in publications focusing on the vulnerability of port infrastructure to climate impacts, a topic that previously received less attention compared to operational, economic, and logistical factors, which are frequently discussed in the existing literature. The analysis reinforces the relevance of this study, with the United States, Spain, and the United Kingdom emerging as the most influential countries in this research area. This article also reveals the predominance of methods based on the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI), which includes ports in its assessments, and emphasizes the need to develop a more robust index for evaluating port vulnerability. Additionally, it discusses current topics, such as sea level rise and the use of global climate models and suggests future research directions to enhance the assessment of port vulnerability in the face of climate change. Full article