Management of disruptions by seaports: preliminary findings

Abstract

Purpose -The function of a port has evolved from a platform providing simple loading and unloading activities to a gateway that opens up numerous opportunities that proliferate economic benefits. The effects of globalization and modern supply chain trends have reinforced the role that ports play in supply chains. This calls for contemporary studies on supply chain management to expand to address the management of supply chain disruptions that originate from port operations. The purpose of this paper is to provide perspectives from the industry on the proposed management model that seeks to address port-related supply chain disruptions (PSCD). Design/methodology/approach -In-depth interviews were conducted with professionals from the port management and port users to preliminarily substantiate the findings. Findings -A list of port-related supply chain threats was first identified and their occurrences were analyzed. Then, through the interviews with the management of industry players, the factors which may affect the implementation of the management model have been identified. Research limitations/implications -This paper fills gaps in literature related to management of port risks and port resiliency. Practical implications -The findings raised important issues in the management of PSCD with respect to strategic decision making and policy development.Originality/value -This study contributes by aiming to minimize the potential of a list of identified threats through the implementation of a practical management model by port management to increase port resilience and maintain supply chain sustainability.

Determinants of effective high-risk cargo logistics at sea ports: A case study

“…This can involve transportation from the vessel to the storage point, or vice-versa. It also includes transportation within the port waters (Loh & Thai 2015). The incorrect handling of HRC during in-port transportation may result in collisions within the port waters (Loh & Thai 2015), and accidents within the port area (He et al 2011), resulting in water pollution and spillages on the ground surface.…”

“…Because of the many handling operations during long supply chains, many products require stability and protection (Ellis 2011). Packaging and repackaging are becoming increasingly important because of the escalating integration of seaports into supply chains and that has resulted in the need for the provision of such value-added services (Loh & Thai 2015). At the same time, all these handling operations need time, and packages help to aggregate small freight units to reduce the quantity of handling operations and, afterwards, to reduce the ultimate cost for the customers.…”

“…Accidents involving HRC have serious implications that are capable of bringing the entire supply chain to a standstill (Loh & Thai 2015). Thus, the best way to avoid such serious repercussions is to ensure effectiveness in the management of HRC at seaports.…”

“…However, over the last decade, ports have been marred with both man-made and natural disruptive events such as port accidents, extreme weather disruptions, earthquakes and spillages involving dangerous (high-risk) cargo. The impact of such disruptive events has been felt across the supply chain, down through to the end consumers and society at large (Lam & Lassa 2017;Loh & Thai 2015). This has resulted in increased research focusing on port safety and risk assessment and/or management (Fabiano et al 2010;Liu, Zhou & Sun 2019;Pak et al 2015;Yang 2011;Yang et al 2016).…”

The role of ports in supply chain disruption management

“…Summary of findingsSource:Loh and Thai (2015a) This research has examined the role of ports in supply chain disruptions through the establishment of the portfolio of each PSCD threat based on data collected from port operators and port users. The PSCD threats are divided into four categories, infrastructure threats, manpower threats, planning threats and security threats.…”