Seaports during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Terminal Operators’ Tactical Responses to Disruptions in Maritime Supply Chains

The world-wide crisis caused by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a significant impact on global economy functioning and sustainable development of supply chains. changes also affected seaports being key links maritime purpose research study described in this article was to identify sources kinds disruptions observed various chains as result COVID-19 their operations types seaport terminals, namely those serving bulk (universal, specialised) general cargoes specialised). An additional dependencies between type terminal its main function, tactical decisions adopted particular terminals. carried out using multiple-case method. covered some selected port terminals Polish (Gda?sk, Szczecin, ?winouj?cie), applying direct, semi-structured in-depth interviews. analysis results inductive reasoning has shown that ceased exist, them were operating with decreased cargo volumes, while other cases transshipment volumes actually rose during pandemic. Among operators’ responses chains, there pro-active adaptive measures. Pro-active (offensive) measures included actions taken an enterprise order engage new even participating establishing response limitations Adaptive (defensive) consequence existing port’s foreland or hinterland. revealed extent engagement related depended (universal function played within chain.