A shortage of empty containers has become a global crisis with more devastating effects than during previous periods when combined with various problems arising from the COVID-19, such as an increase in an imbalance of global trade between supply and demand, a decrease in the workforce, and restrictions by countries or regional quarantine practices. The absence of empty containers in regions where they are needed slows down industrial activities and locks the global supply networks, necessitating the use of alternative methods that are inefficient. Although this shortage causes many disruptions in global trade, solutions to the issue have not been studied in detail. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the issues caused by the shortage of empty containers and to rank the appropriate solutions. Four main criteria and sixteen subcategories used to define the issues, as well as a multi criteria decision model comprising five criteria for the solutions, were proposed based on information from the literature, sectorial publications, and expert opinions. The issues’ weighted order of importance in our proposed model was calculated using the SWARA (Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis) method; solutions were ranked using the ARAS (Additive Ratio Assessment) method. The results of the study revealed that the issues were ranked in importance as cost increases, uncertainty in the supply chain, volume loss, and increases in blank sailing announcements. Appropriate solutions were ranked as booking guarantee applications and information communication technologies, using shipper-owned containers, inducement calls, and E2E (end to end) delivery services.

Conflicts cause significant losses of life and property, create environmental and socio-cultural changes, and lead to significant disruptions in global supply chains. The Russia-Ukraine conflict, occurring on Ukrainian territory, is still ongoing and its consequences are uncertain. This bottleneck in global food and energy supply, large increases in the costs of basic logistics services, such as international transportation and warehousing, come to the fore as the first consequences of the conflict. These developments prevent countries in many distinct parts of the world from reaching vital resources, such as food and energy. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effects of the Russia–Ukraine conflict on global supply chains. In this context, the relevant literature, sectoral publications, and reports from international authorities related to global supply chains were examined in a conceptual framework. The results of the study suggest that the conflict poses significant problems that will adversely affect global supply chains.

Physically and mentally healthy seafarers with professional knowledge and skills are needed for maritime transportation to be safe and sustainable. Mental problems experienced by seafarers can lead to negative consequences, such as bullying, substance dependency, assault, murder, and suicide. Accordingly, this study examined the differences between the socio-demographic characteristics of Turkish seafarers on their depression, which is an important criterion for determining mental disorders. Data collected from 403 participants through quantitative research methods were analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 and Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS) version 23.0 software. Although periodic physical and mental health checks are performed on seafarers, it was found from the analysis results that 33.2% of Turkish seafarers experience mental issues. Moreover, the study determined that the socio-demographic characteristics of seafarers made some differences in their depression levels.