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

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.