Navigating Turbulence: How Seaports Can Steer Through Supply Chain Disruptions

Research Project, 2026 – 2027

The extended supply chains are facing concurrent disruptions, both accidental and antagonistic ones. The recently imposed US reciprocal tariffs table is the latest example showing the turbulent conditions for global supply chain flows. Seaports as critical nodes within maritime networks play a crucial role in those supply chains, and they also suffer from irregular flow as firms try to preposition goods to avoid tariffs. Despite the increased interest in supply chain resilience research, a focus on seaports’ role during disruptions is scarce. On the other hand, ports position in global supply chains are getting stronger with the recent acquisitions and the new network structures assuring enhanced reliability. Furthermore, ports are the national gates where customs policies are imposed, supply chain flows in and out of countries are controlled. Following these developments, the purpose of this study is to explore the effects of recent disruptions in the form of tariffs and vertical integration in maritime networks on seaports and to investigate the seaports’ role in mitigating the negative effects of global supply chain disruptions. The study will consider both national and international perspectives and is highly relevant in addressing the transport systems’, particularly seaports’ role in indentifying, absorbing, and managing both accidental and antagonistic disturbances. The overall goal is to map and analyze how seaports in disrupted supply chains have acted during different types of disruptions and how they learn from them to respond future disturbances. Considering the current trade disruptions, this project will provide new insights on how to create more resilient and adaptive transport systems in response to geopolitical turbulence. The study aims to provide actionable insights and recommendations that actors in the transport systems, especially seaports, can use to improve their disruption management strategies. This could involve developing contingency plans, establishing a freeport status, investing in technology for better early warning systems, or creating partnerships with other transport nodes and actors to ensure smooth operation during disruptions.