International Scientific Journals
of Scientific Technical Union of Mechanical Engineering "Industry 4.0"

The present article outlines the risk factors affecting voyage efficiency in tramp shipping operations. The influence of factors of time and costs parameters is identified. The voyage revenue is formulated and studied according to variances of time and costs elements. For the evaluation of efficiency of voyage operations an approach based on value-at-risk method is proposed and voyage statistics in short sea shipping are studied. The results presented prove the applicability of the method for efficiency evaluation of tramp shipping operations and voyage planning.

The present article presents in detail the concept of ports connectivity of the ro-ro shipping networks in the Black Sea region. The existing ro-ro services in the region are studied in terms of transportation availability, frequency and capacity. A set of port connectivity indices is applied for measuring the interconnections between the ports in the region via ro-ro services. The results demonstrate that the roro shipping network in the region has a potential for development and despite the low cargo volumes, low level of capacity utilization and lack of efficient hinterland connections of ports.

The present article analyses the feasibility for design and implementation of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) systems for documentary exchange between Bulgarian Black sea ports and economic operators. The concept of the Port Community System (PCS) is analysed as a necessary information exchange framework for implementation of EDI systems. The main economic operators are identified and their interactions within the port community system are formalised. A methodology for implementation of EDI system has been developed along with the main information flows. The benefits of EDI implementation are outlined as means for increasing ports competitiveness.

The present article analyses the development and impact of the container security initiatives on maritime supply chains. Security issues concerning container liner shipping require complex approach and application of integrated IT systems on national and international levels. During the last two decades various initiatives have been applied to ensure for higher level of security of container transportation. The background and aim of these initiatives are studied in detail and their effect is evaluated. The results show that container transportation still has vulnerable nodes and the application scope of security initiatives is to be widened despite the high costs.

Liner shipping industry is characterized by increased market concentration and cooperation. Maritime operators apply various forms of cooperation for maximizing revenues and achieving operational efficiency. The present article analyses the benefits of using Vessel Sharing Agreements in container transportation. Shared services agreements of leading liner operators are studied. The results show that Vessel Sharing Agreement application leads to higher transportation efficiency in terms of costs minimization and service reliability.

Maritime industry is characterized by highly globalized structure and operations. Shipping companies apply various approaches for inter-industry cooperation and information exchange. Operational efficiency is strongly enhanced by improved communication and cooperation by all stakeholders and partners. The present article outlines the benefits of business process modeling approach to maritime operations. A conceptual model is proposed, identifying the main processes and benefits for efficient information exchange and cooperation between shipping companies.

Port logistics is a vital element of international shipping and logistics management. The type and scope of port management influences the overall functioning of the international supply chains. Modern approaches for supply chain management, efficient business processes control and information exchange, based on advanced technology, are to be considered synchronously. The present article analyses the organization of port management processes, its components and the information flows with business stakeholders. The proposed conceptual model aims at improvement of port management performance in terms of logistics management, integration and mainstreaming of business processes.

The present article analyses the present status of the container liner shipping and its market concentration. The forming of strategic alliances is considered in detail against the other forms of market cooperation. The specifics of strategic alliances in liner shipping is outlined, the latter being one of the drivers for operational and strategic efficiency of liner services. The results show that there has been a significant increase of market concentration as from 2014. The formation of strategic alliances ensures for lower operational costs although leading to, in the short-run, overcapacity and increased internal competition. From a long-term perspective, the formation of strategic alliances will lead to increased market concentration and, eventually, to more stable shipping markets and decreased competition.

The development of feeder networks in modern liner shipping has undergone significant changes during the last two decades. The hub-feeder systems and short sea shipping networks have largely expanded in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean regions due to fluctuating containerized cargo volumes. The present article analyses the feeder networks structure in the Black Sea region, examines the liner shipping connectivity based on the liner shipping connectivity index (LSCI) and further outlines the current trend of regional cargo transportation network expansion. The liner shipping connectivity index reflects the long-term objectives of liner operators for maximizing revenue via extensive market coverage. Despite the negative effect of the economic crisis and excess supply on the market a distinct trend towards increased service frequency and expanded geographical coverage are observed.

The present paper analyses the status and current issues of port information exchange systems in the European Union and the Bulgarian Black Sea ports. Port Community Systems (PCS), being a complement to the Maritime Single Windows (MSW), are based on specific EU legislation thus achieving realization of documentary data exchange in maritime transportation through a single interface with various levels of access. The main objective of this paper is to outline the feasibility, the benefits of PCS development and integration within the European Union as well as the role of the developed MSW system of Bulgarian Black Sea ports for the PCS integration environment. The PCS integration process aims at decreasing of administrative burden, reduction of documentary errors, introduction of standardized electronic data interchange and reduction of service time for port users.

The present paper analyses the status and current issues of port information exchange systems in the European Union and the Bulgarian Black Sea ports. Port Community Systems (PCS), being a complement to the Maritime Single Windows (MSW), are based on specific EU legislation thus achieving realization of documentary data exchange in maritime transportation through a single interface with various levels of access. The main objective of this paper is to outline the feasibility, the benefits of PCS development and integration within the European Union as well as the role of the developed MSW system of Bulgarian Black Sea ports for the PCS integration environment. The PCS integration process aims at decreasing of administrative burden, reduction of documentary errors, introduction of standardized electronic data interchange and reduction of service time for port users.