Port privatization in Panama

In previous papers we have looked at open registries, the Panama maritime sector and Panama Canal operations and management. No maritime study of Panama is complete, however, without a detailed look at the Panama Canal's main port system, which has enjoyed remarkable growth since the privatization of the terminal ports of Cristóbal and Balboa in 1995. This paper looks at the evolution and development of the Canal's port system; its stewardship, initially by the American authorities governing the Canal and, post-transition, by the Panamanians, and includes a study of the driving forces that led to privatization. We will conclude by looking at the results of the successful reform of the system, currently considered a primary model for other Latin American countries.     

Low-cost port competitiveness index: Implementation in the Spanish port system

Spanish Port Authorities currently face a wide range of complexities in their decision-making processes, as they have to satisfy several port management objectives that may conflict with one another. This paper examines these circumstances by using decision theory methodology with multiple objectives, which, through the Promethee method, makes the design of an index possible. This index combines different decision factors that shape the competitiveness of a port to rank the Spanish Port Authorities. This ranking serves as an alternative to the traditional ranking system by easily providing more information about port traffic.     

Maritime clusters: What can be learnt from the South West of England

The South West of England is a very extensive region, with constraints in terms of its transport network. It is imperative if the region is to optimise its economic development for transport services to fully utilise all transport modes, not least, short sea shipping. To achieve this objective will require, inter alia, investment in the region’s port infrastructure. The result of this study suggests that each South West port provides a hub to develop a small maritime cluster which provides some sort of platform for marine and maritime related activities or businesses to co-ordinate and communicate. In addition, the region is well placed geographically in relation to a number of other European Union countries, with which to develop seaborne trade links. If this can be supported both by the development of coastal shipping links between regional ports and the incremental capability of rail and road transport within the region, then substantial increased economic activity for the region could result. Moreover, it would be beneficial if the region’s ports could act as a maritime cluster, optimising the contribution each port can make. This in no way would preclude healthy competition between the ports.     

Trends in the global market for crews: A case study

The starting point is an analysis of the evolution of recruitment of crews in the maritime traffic on the global and local scale; a case study in a medium-size port of the European Union, the Port of the Bay of Cadiz, is presented. The evolution of the Open Registries and the phenomenon of the globalization of crewing have been studied from the information provided in the databases of consultants and international bodies. For the case study an analysis has been made of 507 vessels that docked in the port of Cadiz between the years 2002 and 2008. From this analysis, it is concluded both globally and locally that market is evolving rapidly. The question of finding suitable crews is not only economic: sometimes the reasons for these “substitutions” are directly related to the demands in terms of working hours or civilized conditions of accommodation and food. Multiculturality is therefore a general feature of crews today; language is a key determinant of this phenomenon. The implication behind this trend is that the profession of ‘seaman’ in the OECD countries is becoming less attractive from the point of view of personal and even professional life. The human decapitalization of maritime personnel is also a strategic problem in the provision of specialized seamen for tasks of the Maritime Administration and PSC Inspection, together with the progressive aging of the existing crews.     

海洋交通风险应急决策系统设计与实现

针对海洋交通风险事故的特点,采用基于分层推理思想设计了海洋交通风险应急决策处理模型。在模型中提出了以行为和状态为核心的知识规则描述方法。以该模型为基础给出了系统的设计与实现。通过将海洋交通风险事故分解为事务级、情况级和执行级三级处理,使系统能综合应用海洋交通事务各种信息进行有效决策,提高了海洋交通事务风险控制能力。系统的实现对于促进海洋交通风险控制的智能化水平,深化海事管理信息化平台建设具有现实意义。     

Institutions and governance in the European Common Fisheries Policy: An empirical study of Spanish fishers' attitudes toward greater participation

Public participation in the decision-making process is a key element of good governance. In its latest proposals for reforming the Common Fisheries Policy, the European Commission acknowledges that management measures lack legitimacy without input from the fishers themselves and thus underscores the need to increase it and adapt it to local or regional conditions. This study analyzes Spanish fishermen's own views about their participation in the decision-making process. The results show that most fishers are in favor of more participation by themselves and by regional governments in the decision-making process.     

Measuring the maritime economy: Spain in the European Atlantic Arc

Despite the importance of the socio-economic dimension of the use of marine waters, there has been little research in the field until recently, when interest has grown in the concept of ‘blue growth'. This paper aims to contribute to filling this gap with a socio-economic assessment of the main maritime sectors, focused on the Spanish part of the European Atlantic Arc. To this end, it first proposes a theoretical structure for the maritime economy and then collects and classifies comparable and reliable maritime socio-economic indicators. The data obtained allows us to assess the size of the Spanish maritime sector and the position of the Spanish Maritime Cluster in the wider context of the maritime economy of the European Atlantic, as well as discuss the appropriateness of a strategy of forming clusters at the national level vs. a transnational approach. The results indicate differences between regions in the European Atlantic Arc that complicate the development of integrated policies to stimulate blue growth. Extending our knowledge of the maritime economy of the European Atlantic Arc will make it possible to design strategies that address the real issues, increasing the likelihood of these being effective.     

A current Environmental Impact Assessment of a port in Thailand: Marine physical aspects

This paper presents the current Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) system for Thailand. The steps of the EIA approval and procedures are summarized. More particularly, the study focuses on port developments. Guidelines, prepared by the national authority, are presented that help EIA practitioners to prepare EIA reports for port projects. The EIA for the Ranong port in Thailand was selected as a case study because of its recent approval as well as its reflection on political intervention. Special attention was given to marine physical aspects in order to demonstrate types of marine physical concerns, assessment methods used, and corresponding environmental measures established. Changes in water current and elevation, sedimentation, large waves and bank erosion, maritime accidents and related oil spill were included. Finally, the strengths and weaknesses of Thailand’s EIA system were discussed.     

Bridging islands and calming seas: A material flow management approach to sustainable sea transportation for Fiji's lower southern Lau islands

The relatively remote and geographically isolated lower southern Lau islands of Fiji rely on maritime transportation for their economic success and social wellbeing. This paper explores the feasibility of implementing a Material Flow Management (MFM) framework to sustainable shipping and the possibilities for addressing the socio-economic development needs of the relevant island communities. The research question is: how can a regional MFM framework for hybrid powered maritime vessels be implemented effectively to promote ecological quality improvements and local added value for Fiji's lower southern Lau islands? The mixed methods research uses a quasi-experimental design, with most data collected on site during a March 2015 field study of the lower southern Lau route. The findings are applied to a tailor-made MFM framework that demonstrate the viability and effectiveness in achieving seven key aims: (1) activate regional potential; (2) increase system efficiency; (3) decrease operating costs; (4) create stakeholder network; (5) create and maintain jobs; (6) support innovative small and medium enterprises (SMEs); and (7) create sustainable economy/society. The results validate the MFM framework as a potential model of sustainable sea transport for this particular route that can be expanded upon for other domestic and regional shipping routes. The author concludes that further research and the development of pertinent socio-economic indicators based on these findings will support a more robust MFM model as it applies to sustainable sea transport.     

An ecosystem-based framework for governance and management of maritime cultural heritage in the USA

A new federal administration, alongside initiatives proposed by the President's US Commission on Ocean Policy, provides a timely and critical opportunity for maritime archaeologists and cultural resource managers to re-consider management frameworks for maritime cultural heritage in the USA. Policy is urgently needed that defines governments’ roles and responsibilities in protecting and managing maritime cultural heritage in federal waters. Implementation of a regional governance structure based on the tenets of ecosystem-based management is proposed in this paper to manage and develop these resources effectively. Through regional governance, the maritime heritage of the USA can be conserved for future generations, keeping its citizens connected to deep-rooted maritime traditions and contribute to the well-being, economic growth and development of coastal communities.     

Assessing New England's waterborne energy imports (1995–2004)

This paper tests four hypotheses relating to the waterborne commerce of New England's imported energy, by port of entry, from 1995 through 2004. It concludes that the region's ports engaged in this fossil fuel traffic are part of a hierarchical system of large, medium, and small ports; that such energy flows have increased over the study period; that localized demand for energy is the principal component leading to growth; and that regional inter-port competition was not stable.     

A decision-making system to maritime risk assessment

In this study, we propose a fuzzy approach in order to evaluate the maritime risk assessment applied to safety at sea and more particularly, the pollution prevention on the open sea. The work is based on the decision-making system, named MARISA, presented in Balmat et al. (2009). This system allowed defining a risk factor for each ship according to ship’s characteristics and weather conditions. In this novel paper, the proposed system takes into account the ship speed evolution and the ship position with respect to maritime shipping lanes is developed. To validate the method, we present an example of results with real data.     

Spectre of overcapacity

The freight markets went into the doldrums again in 1981 after having withstood the impact of industrial recession astonishingly well into the early months of the year thanks to expanding coal traffic and long port delays for bulkers. Oil imports of the main consuming areas as well as the raw material intake of the steel industries shrank considerably, while movements of other goods were still expanding. On the other hand, the world merchant fleet started to grow again at an accelerated pace. Transport capacities were, as a consequence, less employed; laid-up shipping increased rapidly, and freight-rate levels declined sharply in most market sectors. These developments are analysed in detail in the annual review of maritime transport by Dr Hans Böhme, of the Kiel Institute of World Economy, and published, as ‘Weltseeverkehr: Vor einem neuen Tonnageüberschuß?’ in the Institute's bi-annual, Die Weltwirtschaft. The author summarizes the review below.     

The role of port cities and transnational municipal networks in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on land and at sea from shipping – An assessment of the World Ports Climate Initiative

In 2008, 55 of the world's largest ports voluntarily adopted the World Ports Climate Declaration (WPCD) and the International Association of Ports and Harbours committed to long-term work on implementation through the World Ports Climate Initiative (WPCI). This article assesses the work of WPCI since 2008 and makes five recommendations that, if implemented, could support efforts to reduce the climate and environmental impacts of port operations and international shipping. In particular, as the impetus for the WPCD came from a port city – Rotterdam – and their engagement with a transnational municipal network – the C40 Large Cities Climate Leadership Group – the paper considers the role of cities and transnational municipal networks in governance, and the potential for cities to play a more active and influential role in the maritime sector. The article presents an overview of literature on the role and function of transnational municipal networks, the background and development of the WPCD, analysis of the work of WPCI, and a discussion concerning the potential of cities and transnational municipal networks to support and add value to WPCI or similar initiatives in the maritime sector. This informs the conclusions and recommendations to marine policy-makers and port stakeholders.     

发达国家海上搜救体系对比研究及对我国的启示

提升海上应急搜救能力对保障人民生命安全、维护国家海洋权益、彰显大国责任和担当具有积极作用和深远意义。发达国家海上搜救体系的先进性主要体现在搜救力量专业化、应急响应快捷化、组织协调高效化、搜救业务程序化等方面。文中对美国、英国、澳大利亚、日本4个国家的海上搜救组织构成、搜救力量水平、搜救工作模式等进行了分析,与我国海上搜救体系和机制进行了对比,并从优化搜救组织模式、完善搜救运行机制、健全搜救力量等方面给出了发展我国海上搜救体系的建议。     

Compliance with international emission regulations: Reducing the air pollution from merchant vessels

In September 1997, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted an international convention protocol to reduce air pollution from ships, in order to achieve sustainable maritime development. This protocol has been approved by 15 member countries and will be enforced in May 2005. Pollutants emitted from ships, such as nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, sulfur oxides, etc. will be regulated by this convention through ship inspections and issuance of certificates. Ships belonging to maritime countries such as Taiwan, which sail around the world and berth in commercial ports, must obey this convention. This study has investigated possible strategies, which may be adopted by maritime countries to conform to this IMO convention in order to reduce the air pollution from ships. A sea-going ship must prepare EIAPP and IAPP certificates for inspection by port-state-control officials, when the ship is anchored at a maritime port. These port-state-control officials may also require the continuous detection and sampling of a ship's emissions, while it is berthed at the port. Legislative support is necessary for successful implementation of these safeguards. It is suggested, therefore, that the administration of both navigational and environmental protection, in maritime countries, cooperate in the revision of relevant federal laws, to implement the provisions of the MARPOL 73/78/97 convention; in this way, the air pollution from ships can be effectively controlled. Installation of advanced detection equipment can effectively detect any ships’ violations of air pollution regulations. The Harbor Affairs’ Bureau should also establish a database of air pollution inspections for ships berthed within their harbor, requiring that ships’ equipment comply with the requirements of the MARPOL convention, for the reduction of air pollution.     

时空演变视角下海南游艇旅游发展影响因素研究

为促进海南游艇旅游转型升级与空间布局优化，推动海南海洋经济高质量可持续发展，本文基于2013年、2017年、2021年海南游艇俱乐部、游艇会及游艇码头数据，利用标准差椭圆分析、平均最近邻指数、核密度分析、重心迁移模型对海南游艇旅游的时空演化特征进行研究，并利用近邻分析法、相关性分析法和政策文本分析法，从旅游资源禀赋、自然地理环境、区位交通条件、政策保障机制等四个维度剖析和阐释海南游艇旅游时空演化特征的影响因素。研究发现：（1）海南游艇旅游核心场所持续增加;（2）海南游艇旅游发展呈显著的空间聚集特征，聚集程度先上升后下降;（3）海南游艇旅游呈东北-西南走向迁移布局;（4）海南游艇旅游模式逐渐由“三亚-海口双核心”向“三亚单核心”演变;（5）自然地理环境和旅游资源禀赋是影响海南游艇旅游时空格局形成的基础性因素，区位交通条件是其时空演化特征的驱动性因素，政策支持是其时空演化形态的导向性因素。最后，对海南游艇旅游可持续发展提出四个方面的对策建议，以积极推动具有世界影响力的中国特色自由贸易港建设。     

曹妃甸围填海工程对近海环境的影响综述

曹妃甸明显的区位优势、独特的地理特征、较强的资源支撑为其成为我国北方天然深水大港提供了必要条件。曹妃甸临港工业区的开发建设将大大加快环渤海经济一体化的进程。规模宏大的曹妃甸围填海工程在带来显著社会经济效益的同时,也对近海环境产生了巨大影响。本文在结合前人调查研究的基础上,对曹妃甸海域概况及围填海工程背景进行了介绍;然后从地貌景观、水沙动力、海洋污染、生物多样性4个方面详细论述曹妃甸围填海工程对近海环境的影响;针对曹妃甸海域生态环境问题,提出加强科学研究、优化评估方法、落实管理制度、注重生态补偿的思考与建议,以期为曹妃甸围填海区域及其周边的可持续发展提供一定的科学依据。     

Benefits and impediments for the integrated and coordinated management of European seas

New multi-sectoral policies with a regional implementation are developed when maritime states recognise the importance of managing the marine environment under an ecosystem-perspective rather than a use-perspective. In Europe, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) is the first attempt to promote an integrated management of the seas from the coastline to the limit of the Exclusive Economic Zone. This paper shows that, nine years from the MSFD adoption, there remain several ecological, economic, social and governance challenges. Using information gathered in a dedicated survey of the European Union Marine Strategy Coordination Group and in the recent literature the paper identifies the obstacles preventing a successful regional cooperation and policy integration. The survey indicates that the MSFD coordination structures are, in general, well-developed but there is an apparent lack of political will to coordinate actions at the regional level. Member States request greater flexibility to implement the Directive but they put their national interests before the benefit of a coherent and integrated approach for the entire region. Differences in budget, economic sector predominance, lack of staff and the MSFD short time-scale are identified as the factors that can hamper cooperation. These have produced recommendations of possible strategies for optimising regional coordination structures which respect the subsidiarity principle underpinning the MSFD.     

Maritime clusters in diverse regional contexts: The case of Canada

This paper presents the main results of a project on Canada's regional clusters in the maritime industry. The objectives of this paper are twofold: firstly, the driving forces and the development processes of the different maritime clusters in Canada are described. Secondly, the role of cluster policy in promoting maritime competitiveness in Canada and the key institutional and geographic barriers that affect their growth and development are discussed. The empirical work consists of analyses and assessment of three clusters in different provinces in Canada: Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, and British Columbia.