In the ever-evolving world of maritime logistics, ensuring the smooth operation of seaports is paramount. A recent study published in the ‘Journal of Marine Science and Engineering’ (Morski Znanosti in Croatian and Morsko Inženjerstvo in Croatian) sheds light on how various risks can impact berth efficiency, offering valuable insights for port authorities and operators. Led by Deda Đelović from the Port of Bar JSC in Montenegro, the research employs a two-stage methodology to assess and categorize risks, providing a practical tool for enhancing port resilience.
The study first uses Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to evaluate the efficiency of selected berths, treating them as Decision Making Units (DMUs). This input-oriented model helps identify how resources are utilized and where improvements can be made. In the second phase, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is applied to quantify the impact of four major risk categories—operational, technical, safety, and environmental—on berth efficiency.
The findings reveal that operational and safety risks contribute significantly to the overall risk profile, accounting for 63.91% of the composite weight in the AHP risk assessment hierarchy. “These results are highly relevant to contemporary efforts in maritime risk modeling,” Đelović notes, emphasizing the importance of understanding and mitigating these risks to maintain supply chain resilience.
For maritime professionals, the implications are clear. By identifying and addressing operational and safety risks, port authorities can enhance berth efficiency, leading to improved performance and reduced disruptions. This is particularly crucial for ports with high berth utilization and vulnerability to system disruptions. The integrated approach proposed by Đelović offers a scalable and replicable decision-support tool, enabling proactive risk mitigation and optimal resource utilization.
The commercial impacts of this research are substantial. Enhanced berth efficiency can lead to faster turnaround times for vessels, increased cargo handling capacity, and improved overall port performance. This, in turn, can attract more business to the port, boosting economic growth and creating new opportunities for maritime sectors.
Moreover, the study’s methodological design supports further applications in port resilience frameworks and maritime safety strategies. As Đelović explains, “The proposed integrated approach is one of the bases for establishing collision avoidance strategies related to an individual port and/or port system.” This means that the findings can be applied not only to improve berth efficiency but also to enhance overall port safety and resilience.
In conclusion, the research by Deda Đelović provides a valuable contribution to the field of maritime logistics. By offering a practical tool for assessing and mitigating risks, it enables port authorities and operators to make informed decisions that enhance berth efficiency and improve overall port performance. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, such insights will be crucial for maintaining supply chain resilience and driving economic growth.