A framework for assessing national maritime supply chain resilience

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the critical issue of maritime supply chain resilience in the face of increasing complexities and uncertainties, such as global pandemics, geopolitical conflicts, climate change, and technological disruptions. The research aims to identify key dimensions of resilience and develop a comprehensive framework for assessing resilience and informing policy-making at the national level.

The study employs a qualitative case study approach, analysing six cases that address diverse aspects of maritime transport, logistics, and infrastructure. These case studies explore the vulnerability of underwater infrastructure, the potential of alternative trade routes, the impact of environmental regulations, the challenges and opportunities in sustainable technologies, the environmental footprint of shipping activities, and the optimization of public transport services.

Through systematic analysis of these cases, the research identifies five key dimensions of maritime supply chain resilience: connectivity, infrastructure, governance, environmental impact and sustainability, and technologies. These dimensions are integrated into a novel framework, the CIGET Framework, which provides a practical tool for assessing resilience at the national level.

The CIGET Framework can be used by policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of maritime supply chains, identify potential vulnerabilities, and develop targeted strategies for enhancement. The research contributes to the theoretical understanding of maritime supply chain resilience and offers practical implications for policy and practice.