Research Projects - Research

A sustainable and digital framework for safety and security in ports

FPP project manager: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Marko PERKOVIČ

Coworkers:

Project duration: from 01.01.2025 to 31.12.2027

Collaborators:

University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering

prof. dr. Boštjan Batagelj, asist. dr. Aljaž Blatnik, prof. dr. Matjaž Vidmar, asist. dr. Andrej Lavrič, asist. dr. Tomi Mlinar in Luka Podbregar

University o

Project financing: ARIS, Port of Koper

Smart seaports are a new generation of digital ports that aim to be more efficient, sustainable and innovative than traditional ports. They use advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, the Internet of Things, big data, blockchain and automation to improve operations and reduce environmental impact.

One of the key features of smart ports is their automation, which allows them to operate around the clock without human intervention. This increases efficiency and reduces labour costs. The use of data is crucial for business optimization and better use of all resources. Smart ports are more environmentally friendly as they are often built to reduce their carbon footprint and protect the marine environment. They also use renewable energy and other sustainable technologies to reduce their environmental impact.

The project aimed to improve Luka Koper's port's efficiency, safety, security, and environmental performance. The path to sustainability is also a societal challenge that affects international and national legislation, urban planning and transportation, and local and individual lifestyles and consumption. The concept of "sustainability" for ports is integrating environmentally friendly port operation and management methods. In other words, sustainably: Each development causes the least possible impact and contributes to improving measures and control of air, water, noise and waste quality.

The project will consider several measures to establish the sustainability of seaports, including the application of policy and regulatory frameworks in ports to reduce pollutant emissions, the greening of the port city and the integration of the port into the urban area through the inclusion of trees that absorb noise and air pollution, the use of renewable energy sources in port operations and activities, the transition of ports from a linear economy to a circular economy, the goal of redefining products and services to prevent waste while minimizing negative impacts, the implementation of an energy management system (EnMS) and/or an environmental management system to improve the port's environmental profile and increase energy efficiency.

There are important security challenges in today's era of intense digital transformation, which the Slovenian port is also following. Particular attention is being paid to linking maritime traffic management systems and cargo handling operations with digital security systems. It has been proven that cyberattacks in the maritime transport sector have an impact not only on business but also on the safety of shipping and, thus, on the risk of maritime accidents with major environmental consequences.

The above initiatives will be achieved through improvements and new approaches to existing port operations activities. The Agenda for Sustainable Development of World Ports provides a general framework for how ports can better contribute to sustainability. The program is supported by the EU and international organizations such as the European Sea Ports Organization (ESPO), the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), the Association Internationale Villes et Ports (AIVP), the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure (PIANC), the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA), the International Association of dredging companies (IADC) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Publications

PERKOVIČ, Marko, BATISTA, Milan, GUCMA, Maciej, LUIN, Blaž, VIDMAR, Peter. Breakaway of large, unevenly loaded container ships. V: ZANNE, Marina (ur.), BAJEC, Patricija (ur.), TWRDY, Elen (ur.). 21st International conference on transport science (ICTS 2024) : conference proceedings. [S. l.]: Elsevier, 2025. Vol. 83, str. 282-290. Transportation research procedia (Online), vol. 83. ISSN 2352-1465. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352146525000407, DOI: 10.1016/j.trpro.2025.02.038. [COBISS.SI-ID 230661635]

TULJAK SUBAN, Danijela, PEGAN, Urban, BANDELJ, Vinko, DEMŠAR, Jure, PERKOVIČ, Marko, SUBAN, Valter. Importance of environmental factors in coastal sensitivity in north Adriatic. V: ZANNE, Marina (ur.), BAJEC, Patricija (ur.), TWRDY, Elen (ur.). 21st International conference on transport science (ICTS 2024) : conference proceedings. [S. l.]: Elsevier, 2025. Vol. 83, str. 186-193. Transportation research procedia (Online), vol. 83. ISSN 2352-1465. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352146525000286?via%3Dihub, DOI: 10.1016/j.trpro.2025.02.026. [COBISS.SI-ID 230665731]

The article examines the role of environmental factors in assessing coastal sensitivity in the North Adriatic to support effective, safety-oriented oil spill response planning, based on multi-country stakeholder workshops in Slovenia, Croatia, and Italy. The findings show that geomorphology, port areas, and socio-economic coastal functions must be explicitly considered to improve prioritisation, decision-making, and protection of vulnerable coastlines and port environments during emergencies.

HERO, Marin, VIDMAR, Peter, VLAČIČ, Patrick, PERKOVIČ, Marko. Limiting greenhouse gas emissions in the maritime transport sector. V: ZANNE, Marina (ur.), BAJEC, Patricija (ur.), TWRDY, Elen (ur.). 21st International conference on transport science (ICTS 2024) : conference proceedings. [S. l.]: Elsevier, 2025. Vol. 83, str. 157-164. Transportation research procedia (Online), vol. 83. ISSN 2352-1465. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352146525000249, DOI: 10.1016/j.trpro.2025.02.022. [COBISS.SI-ID 230680579]

SRŠE, Jure, PERKOVIČ, Marko, VIDMAR, Peter, ANDROJNA, Andrej, BRCKO, Tanja. Small craft port design in Slovenia. V: ZANNE, Marina (ur.), BAJEC, Patricija (ur.), TWRDY, Elen (ur.). 21st International conference on transport science (ICTS 2024) : conference proceedings. [S. l.]: Elsevier, 2025. Vol. 83, str. 209-218. Transportation research procedia (Online), vol. 83. ISSN 2352-1465. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352146525000316, DOI: 10.1016/j.trpro.2025.02.029. [COBISS.SI-ID 230688515]

VIDMAR, Peter, HERO, Marin, PERKOVIČ, Marko. Nova goriva za ladje : oddaja Ugriznimo znanost. Ljubljana: RTV Slovenija, oddja Ugriznimo znanost, 2025. 1 spletni vir (1 zvočna datoteka (18. min.)). https://365.rtvslo.si/arhiv/ugriznimo-znanost/175105158. [COBISS.SI-ID 225759491]

KRMAC, Evelin, MANSOURI KALEIBAR, Mozhgan. The efficiency of the container terminals in Adriatic : an improved data envelopment analysis. Operational research in engineering sciences : theory and applications. [Online ed.]. 2025, vol. 8, iss. 1, str. 1-21. ISSN 2620-1747. https://oresta.org/article-view/?id=815, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15192423. [COBISS.SI-ID 226961923]

The article analyzes the operational efficiency of container terminals in the Adriatic region using an enhanced Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach. By refining the methodological framework and incorporating multiple input and output variables relevant to terminal operations, the study offers a more detailed assessment of how efficiently terminals use infrastructure, equipment, and operational resources. The results reveal significant differences in efficiency levels among Adriatic container terminals, highlighting structural, organizational, and technological factors that affect performance. From a safety and security perspective, the findings are especially relevant, as efficient terminal operations are closely associated with safer working environments, reduced congestion, and improved control over cargo flows. Greater efficiency can facilitate the implementation of digital monitoring systems, optimized processes, and coordinated resource management, all of which enhance safety and security in ports. The study provides valuable insights for port authorities and terminal operators aiming to integrate efficiency improvements with sustainable and digital frameworks for port safety and security.

AKINSOLU, Olutola, KRMAC, Evelin. Analyses of the container throughput : case study on the selected ports of Europe and China. V: ZANNE, Marina (ur.), BAJEC, Patricija (ur.), TWRDY, Elen (ur.). 21st International conference on transport science (ICTS 2024) : conference proceedings. [S. l.]: Elsevier, 2025. Vol. 83, str. 244-250. Transportation research procedia (Online), vol. 83. ISSN 2352-1465. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352146525000353, DOI: 10.1016/j.trpro.2025.02.033. [COBISS.SI-ID 230656515], [SNIP, Scopus]

The paper analyzes container throughput trends through a comparative case study of selected European and Chinese ports. By analyzing historical throughput data and identifying key factors influencing cargo volumes, the study highlights structural differences in port development, capacity utilization, and operational strategies between the two regions. The analysis demonstrates how variations in infrastructure investment, hinterland connectivity, and operational efficiency affect ports' ability to manage increasing container flows. From the perspective of port safety and security, the study is highly relevant, as rising container throughput places additional pressure on terminal operations, traffic management, and risk control systems. Effectively handling high cargo volumes requires well-coordinated operational processes, reliable digital data exchange, and proactive risk management to prevent congestion, accidents, and security breaches. The findings emphasize that sustainable growth in container throughput must be accompanied by digitalization and integrated safety and security measures, enabling ports to maintain resilient and secure operations within an evolving global logistics environment.

MANSOURI KALEIBAR, Mozhgan, KRMAC, Evelin. Container port efficiency : comparison of Adriatic ports with other Italian ports using non-radial DEA. V: ZANNE, Marina (ur.), BAJEC, Patricija (ur.), TWRDY, Elen (ur.). 21st International conference on transport science (ICTS 2024) : conference proceedings. [S. l.]: Elsevier, 2025. Vol. 83, str. 251-257. Transportation research procedia (Online), vol. 83. ISSN 2352-1465. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352146525000365, DOI: 10.1016/j.trpro.2025.02.034. [COBISS.SI-ID 230657795]

The paper examines container port efficiency by comparing Adriatic ports with other Italian ports using a non-radial Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model. This non-radial approach identifies inefficiencies in specific input and output factors, rather than assuming uniform improvements across all variables, offering a more detailed assessment of port performance. The results show significant efficiency differences between Adriatic and other Italian container ports, reflecting variations in infrastructure scale, operational practices, and resource utilization. From a safety and security standpoint, these findings are important because inefficiencies in port operations can cause congestion, increase operational risks, and reduce control over cargo and traffic flows. More efficient ports are better equipped to implement digital solutions for monitoring, coordination, and risk prevention, supporting safer working conditions and stronger security management. The study thus enhances understanding of how performance benchmarking can aid the development of sustainable, digitally enabled frameworks to improve safety and security in container ports.

GUCMA, Lucian, BATISTA, Milan, PERKOVIČ, Marko. A probabilistic framework for assessing vessel impact on bridges considering technical failures : insights from the Baltimore accident case study. Marine structures. 2026, vol. 105, str. 1-39. ISSN 1873-4170. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0951833925001297?dgcid=author, DOI: 10.1016/j.marstruc.2025.103906. [COBISS.SI-ID 245311491], [Odprti dostop, JCR, SNIP, WoS, Scopus]

PERKOVIČ, Marko (vodja projekta, avtor), MEHLMAUER, Migel, FELICJAN, Matjaž, LUIN, Blaž, VIDMAR, Peter, KMETIČ, Sandi, ANDROJNA, Andrej, SRŠE, Jure, BORGHESE, Francesco, ZOTTOLA, Erasmo. Feasibility studies on sea traffic management for IPA and ENP beneficiaries : shipping analysis for the countries of the Black Sea - ENP EAST (Zone 2; Georgia, Moldova, Türkiye – Black Sea coast and Ukraine). Portorož: Univ. Ljubljana, Fak. za pomorstvo in promet, 2025. 201. str., ilustr. [COBISS.SI-ID 246494723]

PERKOVIČ, Marko (vodja projekta, avtor), LUIN, Blaž, VIDMAR, Peter, KMETIČ, Sandi. Feasibility studies on sea traffic management for IPA and ENP beneficiaries : shipping analysis for the countries of the Black Sea - ENP EAST (Zone 2) -appendices. Portorož: Univ. Ljubljana, Fak. za pomorstvo in promet, 2025. 93. str., ilustr. [COBISS.SI-ID 246496515]

ŽAGAR, Dejan. Evaluating emotional response and effort in nautical simulation training using noninvasive methods. Sensors. 2025, vol. 25, issue 1 7, [article no.] 5508, str. 1-17, ilustr. ISSN 1424-8220. https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/17/5508, DOI: 10.3390/s25175508. [COBISS.SI-ID 247898115], [Odprti dostop, JCR, SNIP]

The study contributes to the wider discussion on maritime safety and security by showing how stress and emotional resilience can affect navigational performance. In the Arpa simulator setting, we observed that inexperienced participants displayed recognizable stress patterns that influenced their confidence, attention, and decision-making. The findings are relevant for high-density and high-workload environments such as port approaches, traffic separation schemes, and manoeuvring in restricted waters, where human error can quickly escalate into safety or security incidents. The perspective emphasizes the importance of strengthening maritime safety and security in complex port areas and coastal approaches, where navigational, environmental, and human factors interact in ways that increase vulnerability. By highlighting the link between emotional states and operational outcomes, our research adds a complementary human factors dimension, helping to inform practical approaches to training and resilience-building during the learning phase, and supporting advanced risk assessment and resilience strategies.

GUCMA, Lucjan, GUCMA, Maciej, PERKOVIČ, Marko. Enhancing ship traffic capacity with microscopic modelling : the Świnoujście–Szczecin waterway case study. V: STEVIĆ, Željko (ur.), KOSTADINOVIĆ, Miroslav (ur.). Proceedings : New Horizons 2025 : X International Scientific Conference of Transport and Communications 2025 - TransportaCom : 05-08 November. Doboj: Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, 2025. Str. 300-312. ISBN 978-99976-12-12-0. https://novihorizonti.sf.ues.rs.ba/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Proceedings-TransportaCom-2025-FINAL-25.12.pdf. [COBISS.SI-ID 263534851]

The paper addresses the problem of limited navigational capacity and safety on constrained port access waterways, where increasing vessel sizes and traffic density significantly raise the risk of congestion, collisions, and groundings. A microscopic stochastic ship traffic model, based on Monte Carlo simulations, was developed and applied to realistically assess vessel delays, queuing phenomena, and safety impacts of targeted infrastructure measures, such as the introduction of additional passing lanes. The scientific contribution of the paper lies in the quantitative linkage between traffic dynamics, navigational safety, and economic and environmental impacts, as reduced congestion directly leads to lower fuel consumption, decreased emissions, and a reduced probability of maritime accidents with environmental consequences. The results demonstrate that well-targeted infrastructure interventions significantly enhance navigational safety while simultaneously reducing environmental pressures within port areas. This paper represents a significant scientific and professional achievement by providing decision-support tools for port infrastructure planning and management, contributing to the development of safe and environmentally responsible ports. The developed microscopic model was validated for the complex Świnoujście–Szczecin waterway system, characterized by narrow fairways, limited passing opportunities, and high traffic intensity, which makes the methodology directly transferable to similarly constrained and operationally demanding areas of the northern Adriatic, including the Gulf of Trieste.

ŽAGAR, Dejan, BAŽEC, Matej, DIMC, Franc, PERKOVIČ, Marko. Bridge safety : application for real-time hr streaming. V: STEVIĆ, Željko (ur.), KOSTADINOVIĆ, Miroslav (ur.). Proceedings : New Horizons 2025 : X International Scientific Conference of Transport and Communications 2025 - TransportaCom : 05-08 November. Doboj: Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, 2025. Str. 313-323. ISBN 978-99976-12-12-0. https://novihorizonti.sf.ues.rs.ba/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Proceedings-TransportaCom-2025-FINAL-25.12.pdf. [COBISS.SI-ID 263539971],

The paper addresses the human factor as a dominant cause of maritime accidents, particularly during demanding operations in ports, narrow waterways, and high-workload situations. An experimental real-time physiological monitoring system for the officer of the watch (OOW) was developed and validated using non-invasive wearable sensors, with heart rate data integrated into the ship’s navigational infrastructure and transmitted in standardized NMEA/AIS formats. The scientific and professional contribution of the paper lies in the innovative integration of physiological data into existing maritime communication and navigation systems, enabling early detection of fatigue, overload, or medical anomalies. This approach significantly enhances navigational safety by reducing the likelihood of human-error-related incidents, which often lead to collisions, groundings, and subsequent environmental damage in port areas. The paper represents an important achievement in proactive maritime safety management, supporting the development of advanced accident-prevention systems and contributing to environmental protection in ports and coastal waters.

BERTALANIČ, Blaž, DIMC, Franc, BAŽEC, Matej, BLATNIK, Aljaž. Voyage to the frozen continent : a comprehensive GNSS dataset from a ship’s expedition to Antarctica. Scientific data. 2025, 12 str., ilustr. ISSN 2052-4463. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41597-025-06366-x, DOI: 10.1038/s41597-025-06366-x.

This paper presents a unique 200-day dataset of raw GNSS single-frequency L1 receiver measurements collected aboard a research vessel during a continuous Antarctic expedition from October 7, 2024, to April 24, 2025. The dataset comprises daily-segmented binary UBX files containing multi-constellation L1-band observations, including position and time (UBX-NAV-PVT), satellite metadata (UBX-NAV-SAT), RF front-end diagnostics (UBX-MON-RF), FFT results of the received signal spectrum (UBX-MON-SPAN), raw satellite pseudorange and carrier-phase data (UBX-RXM-MEASX), and intermittent Galileo SAR return-link messages (UBX-RXM-RLM). Files are organized by UTC date to streamline batch parsing and maintain file sizes under ≈ 600 MB. Synchronized receiver state metrics and high-resolution spectrum waterfalls allow for a detailed characterization of multipath propagation, the consequences of unintentional interference from ground systems, and intentional jamming conditions in all types of maritime environments, from Mediterranean to polar regions. This dataset facilitates GNSS performance modeling, enables diverse radio-frequency interference analysis, and allows for antenna performance characterization in harsh marine environments. Furthermore, it aids in resilient PNT algorithm development for autonomous vessels and assists in benchmarking Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning in low signal-to-noise and dynamic motion scenarios.

BLATNIK, Aljaž. Vrednotenje ranljivosti sprejemnikov GNSS za napade z motenjem signala. Elektrotehniški vestnik. [Slovenska tiskana izd.]. 2025, letn. 92, št. 4, str. 157-165, ilustr. ISSN 0013-5852. https://ev.fe.uni-lj.si/4-2025/Blatnik.pdf. [COBISS.SI-ID 254635779], [Odprti dostop, SNIP]

Modern technologies, spanning from sophisticated autonomous vehicles to next-generation telecommunication networks, deeply rely on satellite navigation. Precise positioning and accurate time transfer are not only vital for generating reliable navigation data but also serve as a crucial mechanism for synchronizing decentralized systems. Our increasing economic reliance on dependable Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) creates a considerable weakness, making us susceptible to malicious attacks aimed at disrupting receiver operations. While a successful attack might not be inherently dangerous if users are aware of it, the true problem arises when intentional interference subtly alters navigation data. This leads to a gradual decline in the reliability of the provided position and time information, rather than an outright system failure. Even sophisticated GNSS receivers can't fully prevent this manipulation, and such compromised data can result in significant economic losses and, in critical situations, even put lives at risk. This paper tackles a concerning fourfold (400%) surge in reported GNSS jamming incidents during the second quarter of 2024. It outlines technological countermeasures integrated into modern receivers to lessen the impact and consequences of such attacks. Furthermore, it provides recommendations for end users to enhance the resilience of GNSS-dependent systems. The article details comprehensive measurements conducted under controlled conditions to assess the behavior of three widely used, low-cost GNSS receivers when subjected to jamming signals. Their response to single-frequency, multifrequency, and broadband FM-modulated interference was examined and analyzed across six distinct jamming power levels. The findings are visually presented through the temporal evolution of the average code-to-noise ratio, the number of satellites utilized for positioning, and the effect of jamming on location accuracy, observed as the deviation from a known reference point. The results reveal unpredictable behavior in GNSS receivers, highlighting the need for rigorous statistical analysis. Consequently, the paper proposes a suitable methodological framework for evaluating receiver vulnerability, applicable to measurements obtained in simulated environments or using extended sequences of real-world signals.

DOLINŠEK, Staš, PAVLOVČIČ PREŠEREN, Polona, BATAGELJ, Boštjan, BLATNIK, Aljaž. Automated characterization of jamming effects on low-cost GNSS receiver performance. V: LOPAC, Nikola (ur.), BORUCINSKY, Mirjana (ur.), KOS, Serđo (ur.). 17th Baška GNSS Conference: Global Navigation Satellite Systems and Green Navigation and Smart Systems : book of extended abstracts : Baška, Krk Island, Croatia, 11-15 May 2025. Rijeka: Faculty of Maritime Studies, 2025. Str. 39-45, ilustr. https://www.pfri.uniri.hr/web/hr/dokumenti/gnss/2025-GNSS-17%20Book%20of%20Abstracts.pdf. [COBISS.SI-ID 248034819]

Unpredictable intermittent GNSS signals complicate receiver evaluation. Simulations, using controlled jamming, isolate interference effects. We assessed low-cost receiver behaviour in jamming conditions, revealing signal and positioning degradation. Significant variations, even in simulation environment, emphasize the need for statistical analysis of GNSS measurements. This study evaluates receiver responses through repeated measurements under identical conditions.

BLATNIK, Aljaž, DIMC, Franc, BERTALANIČ, Blaž (sodelavec pri raziskavi). A comprehensive GNSS dataset from the 40th Laura Bassi expedition to Antarctica. [Genève: CERN], 2025. 1 spletni vir. https://zenodo.org/records/15783534, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15783533. [COBISS.SI-ID 241650179]

This paper presents a 200-day dataset of single-frequency GNSS L1 measurements collected aboard a research vessel during a continuous Antarctic expedition from 7 October 2024 to 24 April 2025. The dataset comprises hourly UBX binary files containing multi-constellation L1 observations, including receiver position and time, satellite-specific metadata, RF front-end diagnostics, FFT-derived spectral representations, raw pseudorange and carrier-phase measurements, and intermittent Galileo SAR return-link messages. The files are systematically organised by UTC date and hour to support efficient large-scale processing and maintain manageable file sizes.

A distinctive feature of the dataset is the combination of synchronous receiver-state parameters with high-resolution spectral waterfall outputs, enabling detailed analysis of a wide range of signal propagation and interference conditions encountered across open-ocean, coastal, and port environments. These measurements provide insight into multipath behaviour, unintentional interference from terrestrial sources, and episodes of deliberate jamming, all of which are critical factors affecting maritime navigation performance.

The dataset supports performance modelling under realistic maritime conditions, facilitates comprehensive radio-frequency interference studies, and enables robust assessment of antenna characteristics in dynamic and low-elevation-angle scenarios typical of polar and high-sea environments. Moreover, it contributes to research on resilient positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) methods, particularly for autonomous maritime platforms operating in low-SNR conditions and during rapid vessel manoeuvres. Finally, the dataset provides a reference for benchmarking Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning performance under challenging operational constraints.

Notably, the dataset is important because it includes measurements from the visited ports and their surrounding areas, where sporadic or persistent interference apparently and unexpectedly compromises navigational safety.

TULJAK SUBAN, Danijela, SUBAN, Valter. Ecological risk assessment of the Adriatic coastline : an environmental sensitivity index developed through expert surveys and the entropy weight method. Clean - soil, air, water : a journal of sustainability and environmental safety. [Print ed.]. 2025, letn. 53, št. 12, str. 1-14, ilustr. ISSN 1863-0650. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/clen.70077, DOI: 10.1002/clen.70077. [COBISS.SI-ID 262338307],

The article presents an adapted Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) for the Adriatic coastline, combining expert judgement with an entropy-based weighting approach. The results indicate that ports are also vulnerable to oil spills due to dense maritime traffic, complex artificial structures, and limited clean-up capacity. The customized ESI supports improved risk identification and enhances preparedness and protection planning in port and coastal infrastructure areas.

TULJAK SUBAN, Danijela. Optimizing sustainable hub depot locations for empty container logistics in Slovenia using particle swarm optimization. Scientific reports. 2025, 15, article number 42114, 14 str., ilustr. ISSN 2045-2322. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-26064-3#rightslink, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-26064-3. [COBISS.SI-ID 262158083]

The article examines the optimal location for an inland empty container hub in Slovenia using Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO). The results show that positioning the hub near the Port of Koper significantly reduces transport distances, costs, and CO2 emissions, while alleviating operational pressure on port infrastructure. Efficient empty container management improves logistics reliability, port system resilience, and operational safety, supporting sustainable hinterland connections and secure port operations.

ANDROJNA, Andrej. Maritime cyber threats and challenges : invited lecture European Conference for the Young Officers, 9-12.6. 2025, Portorož. [COBISS.SI-ID 241499395]

ANDROJNA, Andrej. Protecting the Mediterranean Strategic Economic and Energy Gateway : lecture Shared awareness and deconfliction in the Mediterranean conference, 18. nov. 2025, Rome. [COBISS.SI-ID 262366467]

ANDROJNA, Andrej. Cyber challenges in maritime navigation : lecture European Seminar for Young Officers 2025. Portorož, 2025. [COBISS.SI-ID 239177475]

ANDROJNA, Andrej. Introduction to the SLO part EDA project SABUVIS II : autonomous underwater vehicles navigation in gnss denied environment : lecture European Seminar for Young Officers 2025. Portorož, 2025. [COBISS.SI-ID 239178499]

KRMAC, Evelin, MANSOURI KALEIBAR, Mozhgan. On assessing input congestion in container terminals. Maritime economics & logistics. [Spletna izd.]. 28. mar. 2025, str. 1-26. ISSN 1479-294X. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1057/s41278-025-00317-4?utm_source=rct_congratemailt&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=oa_20250328&utm_content=10.1057%2Fs41278-025-00317-4#Abs1, DOI: 10.1057/s41278-025-00317-4. [COBISS.SI-ID 232210435]

The article examines input congestion in container terminals, where excessive use of certain inputs reduces operational performance. Using advanced analytical methods within the Data Envelopment Analysis framework, the study identifies cases in which adding resources– such as labor, equipment, or terminal capacity – fails to improve and may even hinder terminal output. The findings show that congestion is a critical but often overlooked factor affecting terminal efficiency and overall performance. From the perspective of port safety and security, input congestion is especially significant, as overcrowded terminals and overused resources increase the risk of accidents, operational disruptions, and security vulnerabilities. Congestion can undermine situational awareness, impede emergency response, and diminish the effectiveness of control and surveillance systems. The study highlights the importance of balanced resource allocation and data-driven decision-making, supported by digital tools, to reduce congestion-related risks. By connecting efficiency analysis with operational risk considerations, the paper offers valuable insights for developing sustainable, digitally supported frameworks that improve both safety and security in container terminals.

JURKOVIČ, Violeta (avtor, korespondenčni avtor), SUBAN, Valter. Improvement of routine maritime communication skills through the use of Digimar tools. V: PERONJA, Ivan (ur.). Book of proceedings: the 30th International Maritime Lecturers Association (IMLA) Conference. Split: University of Split, Faculty of Maritime Studies, 2025. Str. 138-147. ISBN 978-953-6655-90-8. https://www.imla30.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMLA-30-Book-of-Proceedings.pdf.

The paper analyses the impact of training supported by the digital tools of the Digimar project on the improvement of routine maritime communication skills, comparing two corpora of student simulations collected before and after the training based on the use of educational videos and chatbots. The results show a statistically significant improvement in almost all categories of the standard protocol for routine maritime communication. The most significant progress was achieved in message structure and the use of message markers, while sentence structure, the use of prowords, the pronunciation of numbers and the use of the phonetic alphabet, and overall communication style also improved. Nevertheless, inconsistent use of message markers and prowords to prevent ambiguity proved to be a weak point, indicating the need for a greater role for these elements in the chatbots designed for autonomous learning. The research confirms that systematic training based on authentic communication situations significantly increases compliance with international standards, thereby reducing the risk of misunderstandings that may contribute to maritime accidents, while improved clarity and predictability of communication between ships and shore-based services directly contribute to safer maritime traffic in port waters.