In the complex world of Canadian port operations, where safety, security, and environmental concerns intertwine, managing risk isn’t just a solo endeavor—it’s a team sport. That’s where the work of Elvira Meléndez, an assistant professor in the Industrial Engineering Department at Dalhousie University in Halifax, comes into play. Her recent study, published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, tackles the intricate web of interorganizational risk management (IRM) in Canadian ports, offering a fresh perspective on how to navigate these challenges.
Meléndez’s research zeroes in on the fact that traditional risk management frameworks often operate in silos, failing to capture the dynamic interrelations between different types of risks. To address this, she introduces the Port Risk Control Structure (PRCS), a model based on the Systems-Theoretic Accident Model and Processes (STAMP). Think of STAMP as a set of blueprints for understanding how complex systems can fail, and PRCS as the customized version tailored specifically for Canadian Port Authorities (CPAs).
So, what does this mean for the maritime sector? Well, imagine a port as a bustling city, with various stakeholders—like the International Maritime Organization, Transport Canada, and local port authorities—each playing a crucial role in maintaining safety and efficiency. The PRCS acts like a detailed map, outlining control actions, feedback loops, and the roles of these key actors across international, national, and local levels. This integrated approach aims to facilitate better risk identification, communication, and coordination, ultimately enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
“Existing siloed risk management frameworks often fail to capture these dynamic interrelations, underscoring the need for a more integrated, systemic approach,” Meléndez explains. Her model suggests strong potential for scalability and adaptability across diverse port contexts, which could be a game-changer for the industry.
From a commercial standpoint, the implications are significant. Improved risk management can lead to more efficient operations, reduced downtime, and enhanced safety, all of which can translate to cost savings and increased competitiveness. For maritime professionals, this means better tools and strategies to manage the complex risks inherent in port operations.
Meléndez’s research also highlights the importance of structured risk identification and communication. By clarifying the roles of key actors and facilitating better coordination, the PRCS can help ports navigate the ever-evolving landscape of risks, from safety and security to environmental and technological challenges.
While the model hasn’t yet been empirically validated, its design suggests a promising path forward. Future research will focus on integrating a taxonomy of IRM challenges to refine control structures and feedback mechanisms, ensuring that the model remains robust and adaptable.
In the meantime, maritime professionals can look to Meléndez’s work as a valuable resource for understanding and managing the complex risks inherent in port operations. As the industry continues to evolve, so too must our approaches to risk management, and the PRCS offers a compelling blueprint for the future.
For those interested in diving deeper into the technical details, Meléndez’s study is published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, a peer-reviewed publication that focuses on the latest advancements in marine science and engineering. The study, titled “Developing a STAMP-Based Port Risk Control Structure to Understand Interorganizational Risk Management in Canadian Ports,” is a must-read for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve in maritime risk management.