Table 6

Implications of characteristics of disruptions on flexibility-based countermeasures

Characteristics of disruptionFlexibility-based countermeasure typeImplications of characteristics of disruptions on flexibility-based countermeasures
Geographical spreadLocalGlobal
 Spatial flexibilityPotential to bypass the problemMany ports and routes affected
 Capacity flexibilityCapacity available elsewhereIncreased importance of adding capacity
 Service flexibilityRegional focusIntercontinental focus
DurationShortLong
 Spatial flexibilityReactive change of nodes
Relative ease of making changes with short-term commitments
Less flexibility with long-term commitments
 Capacity flexibilityReallocation of capacityDaring to invest in adding new capacity
 Service flexibility Less flexibility with long-term commitments
UncertaintyLowHigh
 Spatial flexibilityReactive change of nodes
Relative ease of planning rerouting
More difficult to plan amid uncertainty regarding how ports would be affected
 Capacity flexibilityRelative ease of planning the use of resourcesMisjudgement of the situation
Reliance on past experience (e.g. irreversibility of scrapping)
Reluctance to add capacity amid uncertainty about such capacity should be designed
 Service flexibility Shipping lines’ prioritisation of certain cargo, which made the spot market uncertain even though carriers could reap greater benefits
CriticalityLowHigh
 Spatial flexibilityAlternatives availableLess spatial flexibility
Increased difficulty with replacing critical ports
 Capacity flexibilityAlternatives availableCapacity flexibility boosted by spatial flexibility by shifting resources to where they were most crucial
SurpriseExpectedUnexpected
 Spatial flexibilityMore spatial flexibility by planning, having mechanisms in place, diverting vessels and identifying alternativesReactive use of spatial flexibility
 Temporal flexibility Lack of flexibility in ports to receive vessels on short notice
IntensityStable (high)Fluctuating
 Capacity flexibilityExtra capacity needed over time
Relative ease of assessing the needed capacity
Max capacity needed during a short period
Reduced relevance of adding capacity
 Service flexibilityForced acceptance amongst customersReduced ability to change carriers
Interest in using other modes

Source(s): Table by authors

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