Background: The resilience of shipping alliances within the global maritime container network (GMCN) has critical implications for global trade. This study examines the topological robustness of strategic alliances (SAs) in liner shipping, focusing on their structural properties and responses to disruptions. Methods: Using pre-2019 container vessel schedule data, we constructed a weighted node-edge network model of the GMCN. Centrality metrics were computed to identify critical nodes, and simulations were conducted to evaluate network robustness under random failures (RFs) and targeted attacks (TAs). Results: The results highlight the GMCN’s scale-free topology, which fosters resilience against RFs but exposes vulnerabilities to TAs on high-centrality nodes like Singapore and Shanghai. Among alliances, 2M and Ocean demonstrated superior resilience, attributed to strategic port selection and extensive coverage, yet their reliance on central hubs presents significant risks. Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of alliance-specific strategies, such as infrastructure investments and redundancy planning, to mitigate vulnerabilities. By bridging gaps in existing literature, the research provides insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders to enhance the robustness and adaptability of maritime logistics networks. These findings contribute to ensuring stable global supply chains within an evolving trade environment.

東日本大震災以降，港湾物流の分野でも港湾機能の継続のための計画（港湾BCP）策定の取り組みが進んでいるが，それらの現下の港湾BCPは，災害時の緊急対応計画と被災した港湾施設の復旧計画を主な内容とする．しかしながら，地域の生産活動や消費を支える一方で厳しい港間競争にさらされる現代の港湾においては，単なる一刻も早い施設の復旧と輸送機能の回復にとどまらず，港湾利用者のニーズに的確に応えうる効果的で効率的な物流機能継続マネジメントの視点が重要なものとなる． このようなことから本稿においては，企業が作成するBCPにおいて重視される顧客確保の観点に立ったBCP策定手法として，施設の被害リスク評価の手法と並び重視されるビジネス・インパクト分析の手法を港湾BCPに導入するための手順と方法論について論じる．

This paper offers an overall view of applying business impact analysis (BIA) to prepare business continuity plans (BCP) for port logistics based on the joint research project to create a tsunami resilient society undertaken by researchers from Chile and Japan. Authors review Chilean socio-economic circumstances and currently developed disaster responding system in the national and regional context, and identify significance and social request of maintaining the continuity of port logistics functions in association with integrated risk management of tsunami disaster. The authors place particular emphasis on the possible engagement of BIA for improving efficiency and effectiveness of port logistics BCP. The authors propose an appropriate procedure, techniques and tools for BIA implementation in this regard, and demonstrate them as a practical example of BIA implementation in the port of Iquique, Chile. Finally, some recommendations and suggestions are provided for the development of future work, as well as the necessary development of policies.

Ports are among the most essential infrastructures for international and domestic trades. Since Japan is an island country, its major ports are requested to prepare business continuity plans (BCPs) to facilitate early recovery of port functions in the context of maintaining the local and national economy. Major objectives of the BCPs in ports include maintaining sufficient cargo handling capacity to meet the transportation demands, of which post-disaster forecast is essential to properly secure business continuity in the port. Based on the above consideration, this study discusses the possible development of demand estimation methods for port cargo handling volumes in the aftermath of large-scale disasters. The questionnaire/ interview and inventory analysis are suitable for undertaking the estimation in terms of tramper service cargos such as dry/liquid bulk cargos and complete cars, of which a limited number of cargo owners are involved. The statistical approaches are effective for the estimation of liner service cargos such as container and ferry transport, which involve a large and unspecified number of cargo owners. Theoretical concepts, specific examples and considerations of suggested methods are indicated. The authors deem that these discussions may pave the way to the introduction of further sophisticated methodologies for port-BCP preparation.