Gateways of aid: Analyzing port performance in disaster relief operations

Ports serve as critical nodes in global humanitarian supply chains, enabling the timely delivery of aid during crises. This study examines port performance across 20 major disasters from 2004 to 2023 (including natural catastrophes, health emergencies, and conflicts) using a structured six-dimension analytical framework encompassing infrastructure resilience, customs and bureaucracy, stakeholder coordination, cargo handling, last-mile connectivity, and technological innovation. The research identifies recurring challenges such as infrastructure vulnerabilities, coordination inefficiencies, and bottlenecks in customs clearance, while highlighting adaptive innovations like floating logistics hubs, pre-positioned supplies, and AI-driven coordination systems. Crucially, the analysis incorporates impact awareness of adjacent support stations (including airports and neighboring ports) to assess how regional logistics ecosystems absorb or amplify disruptions. Case studies such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the 2022 Ukraine grain initiative, and the 2023 Sudan conflict illustrate how pre-disaster preparedness, regional cooperation, and private-sector engagement shape port effectiveness. The study concludes with actionable recommendations for policymakers, humanitarian organizations, and port authorities, emphasizing investments in resilience, standardized protocols, and multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure ports remain reliable lifelines in future crises. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------Cite this article: APA Style:Gavalas, D., Katsounis, I., & Vasiliadis, L. (2026). Gateways of aid: Analyzing port performance in disaster relief operations. Maritime Technology and Research, 8(2), 283206. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2026.283206 MDPI Style:Gavalas, D.; Katsounis, I.; Vasiliadis, L. Gateways of aid: Analyzing port performance in disaster relief operations. Marit. Technol. Res. 2026, 8, 283206. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2026.283206 Vancouver Style:Gavalas D, Katsounis I, Vasiliadis L. (2026). Gateways of aid: Analyzing port performance in disaster relief operations. Marit. Technol. Res. 8(2):283206. https://doi.org/10.33175/mtr.2026.283206 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Highlights Developed a six-dimension framework (infrastructure, customs, coordination, cargo handling, last-mile, technology) to assess port performance in crises. Conducted a cross-crisis analysis of 20 disasters (2004 - 2023), covering natural, health, conflict, and hybrid emergencies. Identified recurring bottlenecks in infrastructure, customs clearance, and coordination that consistently hinder humanitarian logistics. Documented innovations such as floating hubs, pre-positioned supplies, AI-driven coordination, and regional cooperation. Incorporated regional ecosystem impacts (airports, neighboring ports) to show how disruptions are absorbed or amplified.