Port resilience: a systematic literature review

What the paper says

Abstract The purpose of this study is to conduct a thorough analysis of the concept of port resilience, analysing organisational effects and technology contributions. The research utilises a multifaceted methodology, commencing with a Scopus search and a bibliographic co-occurrence analysis of authors’ keywords. A systematic literature review is subsequently undertaken utilising the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. Content analysis is utilised to examine two distinct research questions concerning different facets of port resilience. The study finds a transition in port resilience emphasis from infrastructure to a more holistic strategy that includes organisational, technical, and environmental aspects. Essential elements that enhance port resilience comprise adaptive capacity, efficient governance, and stakeholder collaboration. The study emphasises the vital importance of technology in bolstering resilience, while simultaneously acknowledging inherent hazards, such as cybersecurity vulnerabilities, system failures, and increased technological dependencies. The research offers significant insights to port managers and policymakers in formulating robust resilience policies, such as multi-stakeholder governance, cybersecurity protocols, and climate adaptation measures. The work enhances our understanding of port resilience and its ties to broader supply chain dynamics, contributing to the expanding knowledge in maritime logistics and operations management. Key findings reveal that effective port resilience requires collaborative governance models with active stakeholder participation, integration of advanced technologies like digital twins and IoT systems, balanced against cybersecurity risks, and adaptive organisational structures that can shift between centralised and decentralised approaches based on crisis demands.