Ports, maritime transport, and industry: The immediate impact of COVID-19 and the way forward

Authors

  • Anas S. Alamoush Maritime Energy Management, World Maritime University, Malmö, Sweden
  • Fabio Ballini Maritime Energy Management, World Maritime University, Malmö, Sweden
  • Aykut I. Ölçer Maritime Energy Management, World Maritime University, Malmö, Sweden

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2022.250092

Keywords:

COVID-19, Ports, Maritime transport, Supply chains, Impacts, Sustainability, Aqaba Port

Abstract

The spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) has led to the implementation of unprecedented global restrictions and strict safety measures. Countries and authorities imposed, inter alia, lockdowns, social distancing, border closing, prechecks, and personal protective equipment. Nonetheless, the restrictions had consequences for the whole transport sector. This study endeavors to investigate COVID-19’s immediate impact and the ensuing issues for ports, shipping, and the maritime supply chains and industry. Therefore, we conducted an exploratory review of various sources and, in addition, utilized our findings to conduct a case study to investigate the responses to the pandemic and issues arising in the Port of Aqaba/ Jordan. The way forward for ports to follow after the pandemic was also identified. The results of the analysis of impacts were categorized into 6 different, yet interconnected, attributes. Impacts illustrated how adversely COVID-19 shocked maritime transport, supply chains, and industry, and how the consequent restrictions complicated operations. Findings indicate that ports need to maintain resilience through the pandemic- the same is true for any future shocks- by building risk management plans and expanding the circle of cooperation regionally and globally, not only within the port, but also including the maritime supply chains. Furthermore, despite its unfavorable impacts, the COVID-19 pandemic is considered as the spark for the reconfiguration of shipping and port operations, particularly by integration of smart and digital technologies and by enhancing sustainability, e.g., climate change adaptation and mitigation. Along these lines, post-COVID-19 economic recovery and the way forward should harness socioenvironmental pathways. While the study provides timely analysis, including insights and lessons learned, which can inform policymakers and practitioners on the severity of the pandemic and future pathways, it also contributes to scholarly discussions by pointing out future research agendas that could guide further academic investigations.

References

AAWA. (2016). Remote and autonomous ships: The next step. The Advanced Autonomous Waterborne Applications (AAWA) Initiative.

Acciaro, M., Vanelslander, T., Sys, C., Ferrari, C., Roumboutsos, A., Giuliano, G., Lam, J. S. L., & Kapros, S. (2014). Environmental sustainability in seaports: a framework for successful innovation. Maritime Policy & Management, 41(5), 480-500. https://doi.org/10.1080/03088839.2014.932926

Alamoush, A. S., Balini, F., & Dalaklis, D. (2020a). Framework for port sustainable supply chain management and its contribution to the united nations’ sustainable development goals (pp. 1-23). In Proceedings of the Conference of the International Association of Maritime Economists. Hong Kong.

Alamoush, A. S., Ballini, F., & Dalaklis, D. (2021). Port supply chain management framework: Contributing to the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. Maritime Technology and Research, 3(2), 137-161. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2021.247076

Alamoush, A. S., Ballini, F., & Ölçer, A. I. (2020b). Ports’ technical and operational measures to reduce greenhouse gas emission and improve energy efficiency: A review. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 160, 111508. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111508

Arksey, H., & O’Malley, L. (2005). Scoping studies: Towards a methodological framework. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8(1), 19-32. https://doi.org/10.1080/1364557032000119616

BIMCO. (2020). COVID19 portal. Retrieved from https://www.bimco.org/covid19

Clarksons Research. (2020a). Shipping market overview. Clarksons Research.

Clarksons Research. (2020b). Container freight rates surge to record highs. Shipp. Intielligence Netw. Retrieved from https://sin.clarksons.net/News/Article/157170#!%23sincustomhome

Clarksons Research. (2020c). World shipyard monitor. Clarksons Research.

Clarksons Research. (2020d). Fuelling transition: Tracking the economic impact of emission reductions & fuel changes. Clarksons Research.

CPHA. (2020). Guidance on the prevention and control of COVID-19 for ports and its front line staf. China Ports and Harbours Association.

Devaraju, A., Chen, L., & Negenborn, R. R. (2018). Autonomous surface vessels in ports: Applications, technologies and port infrastructures. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 11184, 86-105. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-00898-7_6

Dinwoodie, J., Truck, S., Knowles, H., Benhin, J., & Sansom, M. (2012). Sustainable development of maritime operations in ports. Business Strategy and the Environment, 21(2), 111-126. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.718

Exportvirginia. (2014). Seaports of the world by country. Retrieved from http://exportvirginia.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Seaports-of-the-World.pdf

Gekara, V. O., & Nguyen, V. X. T. (2018). New technologies and the transformation of work and skills: A study of computerisation and automation of Australian container terminals. New Technology, Work and Employment, 33(3), 219-233. https://doi.org/10.1111/ntwe.12118

Hertog, V. D., Oscar, L., Stapleton, R., & Chris, K. (2016). Revolutionary RAmora brings tele-operated capability to ship-handling tugs. Retrieved from http://seaways.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Revolutionary-RAmora-Tug.pdf

Höyhtyä, M., & Martio, J. (2020). Integrated satellite-terrestrial connectivity for autonomous ships: Survey and future research directions. Remote Sensing, 12(15), 2507. https://doi.org/10.3390/RS12152507

ICS. (2020). COVID-19 related guidelines for ensuring a safe shipboard interface between ship and shore-based personnel. International Chamber of Shipping.

IG P&I. (2020). COVID-19 rstrictions-Online traker. Retrieved from https://www.igpandi.org/covid-19

IMO. (2018). MEPC/72/17/ADD.1. Resolution MEPC.304(72): Initial IMO strategy on reduction of GHG emissions from ships. International Maritime Organization.

IMO. (2020a). Circular Letter No.4204/Add.6 - 27 March 2020: Preliminary list of recommendations for Governments and relevant national authorities on the facilitation of maritime trade during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Maritime Organization.

IMO. (2020b). Circular letter No.4204/Add.14 - 5 May 2020: Recommended framework of protocols for ensuring safe ship crew changes and travel during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. International Maritime Organization.

IMO. (2020c). Circular letter No.4204/Add.30 - 11 September 2020: Joint statement calling on all government to recognise seafarers as key workers - COVID-19 pandemic. International Maritime Organization.

IMO. (2020d). Circular letter No.4204/Add.32 - 25 September 2020: ICAO Harmonized guidance on facilitating passenger flights, including repatriation flights, using public health corridors during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Maritime Organization.

IMO. (2020e). Circular letter No.4204/Add.33 - 5 November 2020: Joint Statement IMO-UNWTO to support the safe resumption of cruise ship operations following the COVID-19 pandemic. International Maritime Organization.

IMO. (2020f). Circular letter No.4204/Add.31 - 17 September 2020: Joint Statement on the contribution of international trade and supply chains to a sustainable socio-economic recovery in COVID-19 times. International Maritime Organization.

IMO. (2020g). Allow crew changes to resolve humanitarian crisis, insists IMO Secretary-General. Retrieved from https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/PressBriefings/Pages/26-Allow-crew-changes.aspx

IMO. (2020h). Circular letter No.4235/Add.1 - 21 April 2020: Communication from the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. International Maritime Organization.

IMO. (2020i). Fourth IMO GHG Study: Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships. MEPC 75/7/15. International Maritime Organization.

ISS. (2020). COVID-19 Port/ Country implications. Inchcape Shipping Services. Retrieved from https://www.iss-shipping.com/pages/coronavirus-port-country-implications

Jaakkola, E. (2020). Designing conceptual articles: Four approaches. AMS Review, 10, 18-26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13162-020-00161-0

Kavallieratos, G., Katsikas, S., & Gkioulos, V. (2019). Cyber-attacks against the autonomous ship. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, 11387, 20-36. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-12786-2_2

Michail, N. A., & Melas, K. D. (2020). Shipping markets in turmoil: An analysis of the Covid-19 outbreak and its implications. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 7, 100178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trip.2020.100178

Misra, A., Panchabikesan, K., Gowrishankar, S. K., Ayyasamy, E., & Ramalingam, V. (2017). GHG emission accounting and mitigation strategies to reduce the carbon footprint in conventional port activities: A case of the Port of Chennai. Carbon Management, 8(1), 45-56. https://doi.org/10.1080/17583004.2016.1275815

MPA. (2020). COVID-19 protocol on crew change and repatriation of seafarers: Singapore crew change guidebook. Maritime Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore.

Ng, A. K. Y., Chen, S. L., Cahoon, S., Brooks, B., & Yang, Z. (2013). Climate change and the adaptation strategies of ports: The Australian experiences. Research in Transportation Business & Management, 8, 186-194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rtbm.2013.05.005

Notteboom, T. E., & Haralambides, H. E. (2020). Port management and governance in a post-COVID-19 era: Quo vadis? Maritime Economics & Logistics, 22, 329-352. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41278-020-00162-7

Notteboom, T., & Pallis, T. (2020a). IAPH-WPSP Port Economic Impact Barometer: Half Year Report. World Ports Sustainability Program and International Association of Ports & Harbours.

Notteboom, T., & Pallis, T. (2020b). IAPH-WPSP Port Economic Impact Barometer: November Report. World Ports Sustainability Program and International Association of Ports & Harbours.

Notteboom, T., & Pallis, T. (2020c). IAPH-WPSP Port Economic Impact Barometer: October Report. World Ports Sustainability Program and International Association of Ports & Harbours.

Notteboom, T., & Pallis, T. (2021a). IAPH-WPSP Port Economic Impact Barometer One Year Report: A survey-based analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on world ports in the period April 2020 to April 2021, IAPH-WPSP Port Economic Impact Barometer. World Ports Sustainability Program and International Association of Ports & Harbours.

Notteboom, T., & Pallis, T. (2021b). IAPH-WPSP Port Economic Impact Barometer: February Report. World Ports Sustainability Program and International Association of Ports & Harbours.

Notteboom, T., Lugt, L. Van Der, Saase, N. Van, Sel, S., & Neyens, K. (2020). The role of seaports in green supply chain management: initiatives, attitudes, and perspectives in Rotterdam, Antwerp, North Sea Port, and Zeebrugge. Sustainability, 12(4), 1688. https://doi.org/doi:10.3390/su12041688

Palmatier, R. W., Houston, M. B., & Hulland, J. (2018). Review articles: Purpose, process, and structure. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 46, 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11747-017-0563-4

PEMA. (2016). Container terminal automation. Port Equipment Manufactures Association.

Piris, A. O., Díaz-Ruiz-Navamuel, E., Pérez-Labajos, C. A., & Oria, C. J. (2018). Reduction of CO2 emissions with automatic mooring systems. The case of the port of Santander. Atmospheric Pollution Research, 9(1), 76-83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apr.2017.07.002

Poulsen, R. T., Ponte, S., & Sornn-Friese, H. (2018). Environmental upgrading in global value chains: the potential and limitations of ports in the greening of maritime transport. Geoforum, 89, 83-95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2018.01.011

Pu, S., & Lam, J. S. L. (2021). Blockchain adoptions in the maritime industry: A conceptual framework. Maritime Policy & Management. https://doi.org/10.1080/03088839.2020.1825855

Puig, M., Wooldridge, C., & Darbra, J. P. (2014). Identification and selection of environmental performance indicators for sustainable port development. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 81(1), 124-130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.02.006

Roh, S., Thai, V. V., & Wong, Y. D. (2016). Towards sustainable ASEAN port development: Challenges and opportunities for Vietnamese Ports. The Asian Journal of Shipping and Logistics, 32(2), 107-118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajsl.2016.05.004

Schröder-Hinrichs, J. U., Hebbar, A., & Alamoush, A. S. (2020). Maritime risk research and its uptake in policymaking: A case study of the Baltic Sea Region. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 8(10), 742. https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse8100742

Shipping and Freight Resource. (2020). Survey on impact COVID-19 on supply chains. Retrieved from https://shippingandfreightresource.com/supply-chain-strategies-post-COVID-19-impact-survey

Splash. (2020). Yara Birkeland tipped to launch late next year. Retrieved from https://splash247.com/yara-birkeland-tipped-to-launch-late-next-year

Stebbins, R. A. (2001). Exploratory research in the social sciences, qualitative research methods. SAGE Publications, Thousand Oaks, CA. https://doi.org/https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781412984249

Swedberg, R. (2020). Exploratory research (pp. 17-41). In Elman, J. G., & Mahoney, J. (Eds.). The Production of Knowledge. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108762519.002

Thomas, A. (2003). Research skills for management studies, research skills for management studies. Routledge, New York. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203006146

Torres, P. L., & Marriott, R. de C. V. (2009). Handbook of research on collaborative learning using concept mapping. Information Science Reference, Hershey. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-59904-992-2

UN Global Compact. (2020). COVID-19 task force on geopolitical risks and responses. UN Global Compact.

UNCTAD. (2019a). Review of maritime transport 2019. In Proceedings of the United Nation Conference on Trade and Development, Geneva, Switzerland.

UNCTAD. (2019b). Digitalization in maritime transport: Ensuring opportunities for development. In Proceedings of the United Nation Conference on Trade and Development, Geneva, Switzerland.

UNCTAD. (2020a). Review of maritime transport. In Proceedings of the United Nation Conference on Trade and Development, Geneva, Switzerland.

UNCTAD. (2020b). Ports in the fight against COVID-19. Retrieved from https://tft.unctad.org/ports-covid-19/ (accessed 11.17.20).

UNCTAD. (2020c). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on trade and development: Transitioning to a new normal. In Proceedings of the United Nation Conference on Trade and Development, Geneva, Switzerland.

UNCTAD. (2020d). Covid-19: A 10-Point action plan to strengthen international trade and transport facilitation in times of pandemic. In Proceedings of the United Nation Conference on Trade and Development, Geneva, Switzerland.

UNCTAD. (2020e). How countries can leverage trade facilitation to defeat the Covid-19 pandemic. In Proceedings of the United Nation Conference on Trade and Development, Geneva, Switzerland.

UNCTAD. (2020f). Digitalizing the port call process - Transport and trade facilitation series no 13. In Proceedings of the United Nation Conference on Trade and Development, Geneva, Switzerland.

UNCTAD. (2021). COVID-19 and maritime transport impact and responses: Transport and trade facilitation series No. 15. In Proceedings of the United Nation Conference on Trade and Development, Geneva, Switzerland.

United Nations. (2015). Resolution A/RES/70/1, Adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015, Transforming our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. United Nations.

Wilhelmsen. (2020). COVID-19 global port restrictions map. Retrieved from https://www.wilhelmsen.com/ships-agency/campaigns/coronavirus/coronavirus-map

Wilmsmeier, G. (2020). Climate change adaptation and mitigation in ports: Advances in Colombia (pp. 133-150). In Ng, A. K. Y., Monios, J., & Jiang, C. (Eds.). Maritime transport and regional sustainability. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-819134-7.00008-3

WPSP. (2020a). World ports COVID19 information portal. Retrieved from https://sustainableworldports.org/world-ports-covid19-information-portal

WPSP. (2020b). WPSP COVID-19 guidance document for ports. World Ports Sustainability Program.

Yap, W. Y., & Lam, J. (2020). Data analytics for international transportation management. Research in Transportation Business & Management, 34, 100470. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rtbm.2020.100470

Yin, R. K. (2014). Case study research design and methods. 5th ed. Sage. Thousand Oaks, CA. https://doi.org/ISBN 978-1-4522-4256-9

Downloads

Published

2022-01-01

How to Cite

Alamoush, A. S., Ballini, F. ., & Ölçer, A. I. (2022). Ports, maritime transport, and industry: The immediate impact of COVID-19 and the way forward. Maritime Technology and Research, 4(1), 250092. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2022.250092