Liner Schedule Reliability Problem: An Empirical Analysis of Disruptions and Recovery Measures in Container Shipping

Jakov Karmelić, Marija Jović Mihanović, Ana Perić Hadžić and David Brčić ()
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Jakov Karmelić: Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Rijeka, Studentska 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
Marija Jović Mihanović: Institute of Shipping Economics and Logistics, Universitätsallee 11–13, 28359 Bremen, Germany
Ana Perić Hadžić: Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Rijeka, Studentska 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
David Brčić: Faculty of Maritime Studies, University of Rijeka, Studentska 2, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia

Logistics, 2025, vol. 9, issue 4, 1-24

Abstract: Background: Schedule reliability in container liner services is essential for the efficiency of maritime and inland transport, terminal operations, and the overall supply chain. Disruptions to vessel schedules can trigger a series of disruptions at other points, generating additional operational costs for carriers, terminal operators, inland transport providers, and ultimately, for importers, exporters, and end consumers. Methods: The research paper combines literature reviews and shipping company data. A qualitative analysis contains specific causes of vessel delays and corrective actions used to realign schedules with the pro forma plan. The analysis was expanded to include transport of cargo in containers from origin to the final inland destination. Results: Disruption factors are identified and classified by their place of occurrence: (1) inland transport, (2) anchorage, (3) ports, and (4) navigation between ports. The research produced several new disruptive factors previously not identified and published. It has been confirmed that port congestion acts as the principal cause of delay in liner service. Conclusions: The findings indicate that while the number and complexity of disruptive factors are increasing due to global and regional dynamics, the range of recovery measures remains narrow. A deeper understanding of these causes enables more effective prevention, aiming to minimize supply chain disruptions and costs and increase the reliability of door-to-door container transport.

Keywords: liner schedule reliability; container shipping; disruptive factors; recovery measures; maritime transport; operational efficiency (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L8 L80 L81 L86 L87 L9 L90 L91 L92 L93 L98 L99 M1 M10 M11 M16 M19 R4 R40 R41 R49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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