Author(s): Xueqin Liu; Helin Sun; Guanfei Lai; Jing Wang; Shuai Yuan; Wenqi Shi; Shujuan Lai
Linked Author(s): Jing Wang
Keywords: Sea ice disaster; Ice-zone seaport; Risk assessment; Liaodong Bay; Emergency management
Abstract: Liaodong Bay in the Bohai Sea is the most severely ice-affected maritime zone in China, generating significant disruption to coastal port operations each winter. Centred on Yingkou Port, this study systematically compiles sea ice monitoring and port operational data from 2001 to 2024 and analyses the impact patterns of sea ice disasters on the four ice-zone ports of Yingkou, Jinzhou, Panjin, and Huludao across five dimensions: channel navigational safety, cargo throughput efficiency, berthing and cargo handling operations, infrastructure and navigation aid systems, and emergency management. A multi-factor hazard indicator system is established to quantitatively evaluate the associations between sea ice condition parameters and port cargo throughput. Among the examined risk factors, monthly maximum ice thickness and monthly mean ice cover have the most pronounced impacts on the various port throughput indicators. The impact of ice conditions on port operations is predominantly contemporaneous, exhibiting no appreciable lag effect. The findings provide a quantitative basis for pre-disaster risk warning and adaptive management of ice-zone ports.
Year: 2026