Resilient Maritime Logistics and Port Network Governance under Climate and Geopolitical Uncertainty

Global maritime logistics and port networks are the backbone of international trade, handling the vast majority of world cargo flows. However, they are increasingly exposed to compound disruptions arising from climate change and geopolitical tensions. Sea-level rise, storm surges, extreme weather events and changing ocean conditions threaten port infrastructure and operational reliability, while trade wars, sanctions, chokepoint blockages and regional conflicts reshape shipping routes and hinterland connectivity. These shocks often interact in complex ways, amplifying congestion, cost volatility and vulnerability across port, shipping and hinterland systems. Against this backdrop, understanding how to build resilient maritime logistics and to design effective port network governance arrangements has become a critical research frontier for ensuring supply chain continuity, supporting decarbonization and safeguarding global economic stability.This Research Topic addresses the growing mismatch between systemic risks facing maritime logistics and port networks and the fragmented ways these risks are understood and governed. Prior studies often examine climate hazards, geopolitical shocks, operational efficiency and decarbonization in isolation, overlooking compound and cascading effects across port, shipping and hinterland systems. We advance an integrated agenda to: (i) develop models and metrics to assess vulnerability, resilience and recovery under multi-hazard scenarios; (ii) leverage AI, network analytics and digital twins for anticipatory decision-making; and (iii) explore innovative governance, regulatory and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks—where Environmental covers decarbonization, pollution control and climate adaptation; Social includes labor, safety and community impacts; and Governance concerns transparency, compliance and risk oversight—that align resilience with sustainability and competitiveness. This Topic aims to generate actionable insights for policymakers, port authorities, shipping lines and logistics providers to build resilient, low-carbon maritime networks under enduring climate and geopolitical uncertainty.This Research Topic focuses on resilience and governance in maritime logistics and port networks under climate and geopolitical uncertainty. We invite studies on (i) multi-hazard risk assessment, disruption propagation and recovery in port, shipping and hinterland systems; (ii) AI, machine learning, network science, digital twins and AIS-based analytics for risk monitoring, routing and capacity planning; (iii) governance, regulatory and institutional innovations that link resilience with decarbonization and ESG goals; and (iv) just transitions, financing and stakeholder coordination for low-carbon maritime logistics. We welcome interdisciplinary research, including original research articles, methodological and data papers, comprehensive reviews, short communications, commentaries, perspectives, and policy briefs, covering logistics, transportation, energy and related fields. All submissions must contain a clearly specified empirical assessment (e.g., econometric analysis, case studies, surveys, experiments, mixed-methods) or a systematic policy analysis or policy discussion, and should provide concrete recommendations for regulators, industry, or other relevant stakeholders. Topic editors: MIAO SU, PO-LIN LAI Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76270/resilient-maritime-logistics-and-port-network-governance-under-climate-and-geopolitical-uncertainty