Vulnerability assessment of ports and industrial clusters against catastrophes

Abstract

Catastrophes, with the features of high negative impact and low frequency, are causing increasing losses to the human society due to the increasing exposure and vulnerability. Seaports are critical lifeline infrastructures in coastal cities and are at the same time vulnerable to both natural and man-made catastrophes, such as typhoon, earthquake, fire, and explosion. Any disruptions to a seaport will have a direct impact on the supply chain where the port lies and have a second order or even a third order propagation to the industrial clusters in the hinterland. A literature review reveals a research gap on port multi-dimensional vulnerability assessment against catastrophes, which includes assessments of physical, functional, institutional, economic and interdependency aspects of port vulnerability. Therefore, to