A Review Approach to Understanding the Current Status of Port Resilience: Lessons Learned for GCC Ports

Abstract

Seaborne trade is responsible for the majority of global commerce by volume, and key logistics trade centers are typically located near coastal areas. Ports are fundamental agents of the maritime transportation system, serving as the point of entry and exit for most imported and exported goods. Ports play an important role as key nodes in multimodal transportation systems, making the connection between maritime and hinterland networks. Today, the resilience of ports is increasingly challenged by disruptive and extreme events such as geopolitical strife, adverse weather, pandemics, changing patterns of trade and sea routes, and the rise in sea levels. Achieving resiliency is an important factor for the greater attractiveness of maritime services and port sustainability, which requires infrastructure investments and the adoption of innovative and flexible practices. Currently, the literature surrounding the impacts of extreme events and unforeseen disruptions on maritime transport and ports remains novel. This body of work seeks to contribute to the understanding of resilient ports by reviewing the existing literature and gathering insights on how port resiliency can be applied in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region by identifying gaps of knowledge that can be explored.