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

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Jakov Karmelić & Marija Jović Mihanović & Ana Perić Hadžić & David Brčić, 2025. "Liner Schedule Reliability Problem: An Empirical Analysis of Disruptions and Recovery Measures in Container Shipping," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-24, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:9:y:2025:i:4:p:149-:d:1775602
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marielle Christiansen & Kjetil Fagerholt & David Ronen, 2004. "Ship Routing and Scheduling: Status and Perspectives," Transportation Science, INFORMS, vol. 38(1), pages 1-18, February.
    2. Maxim A. Dulebenets & Junayed Pasha & Olumide F. Abioye & Masoud Kavoosi, 2021. "Vessel scheduling in liner shipping: a critical literature review and future research needs," Flexible Services and Manufacturing Journal, Springer, vol. 33(1), pages 43-106, March.
    3. Mulder, Judith & Dekker, Rommert, 2019. "Designing robust liner shipping schedules: Optimizing recovery actions and buffer times," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 272(1), pages 132-146.
    4. Theo E Notteboom, 2006. "The Time Factor in Liner Shipping Services," Maritime Economics & Logistics, Palgrave Macmillan;International Association of Maritime Economists (IAME), vol. 8(1), pages 19-39, March.
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