Scientific Journal of Gdynia Maritime University

The current issue of the Scientific Journal of Gdynia Maritime University, and the papers presented there, illustrate that science refers to all areas and aspects of our life, from the macro to the micro level.

The first paper presents studies on port governance related to ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of global trade through operational adaptability and cooperation with the stakeholders. The author proposes a questionnaire tool for port governance assessment, considering the political, environmental and economic factors as well as their interconnectedness, which can affect the port’s functioning and consequently global trade. The presented framework provides a structured approach to port management that can be used in academic research as well as a practical tool for governance effectiveness assessment for policymakers and port authorities.

The second paper analyzes the changes in the physicochemical parameters of rape and soybean oils during the frying process. As indicated in the paper, oil consumption is systematically increasing, especially due to thermal treatments, such as the deep-frying processes. These influence the consumption of long-term oils, including vegetable oils that contain large amounts of unsaturated fatty acids. They are subject to oxidative and hydrolytic processes, as well as thermal polymerization, and these may cause quality deterioration of the oil as well as the fried products. Particular attention should be paid to the oxidation reactions that can result in a decrease in the nutritional values of the food products and have serious health consequences.

The third paper considers the Value Stream Mapping (VSM) method for visualizing and analyzing the processes applied to optimization of the technological process, using the example of ZPS "Lubiana" S.A. Specialists commonly use this tool to identify waste, reduce process cycle times, and implement improvements that increase the efficiency and profitability of the manufacturing processes. In the paper, the efficiency of the VSM method is analyzed and illustrated using ZPS "Lubiana" S.A. Moreover, the authors analyze some limitations of the VSM method and aspects of its implementation, indicating that its effective application requires correct mapping process, including accurate data collection and proper identification of the process constraints and resources.

The last paper refers to point-to-point green shipping corridors that are designated maritime routes enabling zero-emission shipping operations. The authors present the in-depth analysis by identifying seven critical factors necessary for the strategic development of such corridors, which are categorized by applying the Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) technique and MICMAC analysis. ISM delineated the interrelationships among the factors, while MICMAC analysis facilitated their classification based on respective driving and dependence powers. The study proposes a framework for a strategic development that balances economic, regulatory, and technological considerations to support the sustainable fuel supply chains and achieve sustainable maritime transport. The paper is a part of scientific research conducted under the University of Rijeka project line, ZIP UNIRI.

Agnieszka Blokus-Dziula