Work

A System Dynamics Framework for Port Resilience Enhancement Along Maritime Silk Road: Insights from ESG Governance

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Port resilience performance (PRP) is a critical factor in advancing the sustainable development of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road (MSR). The Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, widely recognized as a cornerstone of global sustainability efforts, offers a robust foundation for enhancing PRP. This study employs a system dynamics (SD) approach to explore the impact of ESG on PRP along the MSR. By developing an ESG evaluation index system and a resilience assessment framework, the research examines the mechanisms and evolutionary patterns through which ESG influences port resilience. Simulations are conducted for four strategic ports: Chattogram Port, Singapore Port, Gwadar Port, and Djibouti Port. The findings reveal that ESG initiatives significantly enhance PRP, with Singapore Port exhibiting the most stable and rapid resilience improvement. In contrast, the other ports demonstrate varying levels of adaptation and enhancement. Among the intervention strategies, prioritizing social dimension (S) improvements proves most effective for achieving rapid short-term resilience gains. This study offers both theoretical insights and practical strategies for strengthening port resilience and fostering sustainable development along the MSR.

Source: Systems

DOI: 10.3390/systems13080719

Authors: Xiaoming Zhu, Shenping Hu, Zhuang Li, Jianjun Wu

Institutions: Shanghai Maritime University, Guangdong Ocean University

Language: English

Topic: Maritime Ports and Logistics

Subfield: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Climate action, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896