Risk and contingency management in container shipping lines: considerations for designing a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) for operational resilience

Abstract

As global trade continues to depend heavily on containerized maritime transport, the resilience of shipping operations in the face of disruptions becomes increasingly critical. This thesis explores how leading container shipping lines manage operational risks, respond to crises, and develop business continuity plans (BCPs) to safeguard service reliability. Using a documentary-exploratory research approach and a targeted survey of professionals from top-tier shipping companies, the study identifies the central role of process optimization in both efficiency and risk mitigation. The findings highlight the widespread existence of contingency planning frameworks, but also reveal key gaps in training, communication, and cross-functional coordination. Based on the results, this research provides a comprehensive set of actionable recommendations for enhancing BCPs in the industry. It underscores the importance of integrating contingency planning into process optimization efforts and emphasizes proactive communication as a cornerstone of operational resilience.