Marine, Port & Maritime Risk Management
Ports are among the most critical pieces of national infrastructure. They underpin the movement of fuel, food, construction materials, and exports — meaning any disruption can rapidly escalate into supply chain failure, economic loss, and safety risks.
Operating environments are complex, high-risk, and always active. Multiple agencies, contractors, logistics providers, and vessel operators must function in synchronisation. When incidents occur, ports cannot simply stop — they must respond, stabilise, and continue operating safely.
Resilient Services supports port authorities, terminal operators, and maritime infrastructure providers to prepare for, manage, and recover from disruption while maintaining operational continuity.
Key Risks Facing Modern Port Operations
Extreme Weather & Natural Hazards
Ports are exposed to storms, flooding, high winds, heat events, and reduced visibility. These hazards can halt vessel movements, damage infrastructure, and isolate critical assets, requiring coordinated shutdown and recovery strategies.
Vessel Incidents & Marine Accidents
Groundings, collisions, or blocked channels can restrict berth access and disrupt trade corridors. Effective planning ensures rapid coordination between harbourmasters, emergency services, and operators to restore safe navigation.
Supply Chain & Operational Disruption
Equipment failure, workforce shortages, or logistics breakdowns can create cascading delays across national distribution systems. Ports must maintain continuity even when external partners are impacted.
Security Threats & Critical Infrastructure Risks
Ports are designated high-consequence environments requiring preparedness for unlawful interference, cyber incidents, and security breaches that could affect national resilience.
Hazardous Cargo & Environmental Incidents
Handling fuel, chemicals, and bulk materials introduces risks of spills, contamination, and safety incidents requiring multi-agency environmental and emergency coordination.
Digital & Systems Failure
Modern port operations rely heavily on scheduling platforms, automated handling systems, and communications infrastructure. A technical outage can rapidly stall operations without fallback planning.
Maritime, Port & Marine Industry in Australia and New Zealand
The maritime industry encompasses all trade, agriculture, transport, and tourism that occur within or within relation to the sea, as well as all vessels, ports, resources, and equipment involved in these activities. The industry involves sea transport, commercial passenger charters and aquaculture. Annually, the maritime industry adds over $2 billion to the Australian economy, with average revenue for the industry being upwards of $6 billion annually. The maritime industry in Australia is responsible for the transport of over 95% of Australia’s exports, with a large amount of domestic freight transport also relying on shipping. The economic prosperity of Australia relies heavily on maritime transport and ensuring that all maritime businesses are compliant with any relevant legislation and are prepared for any potential crisis or emergency will help reduce any negative impacts on the Australian economy if such an event were to occur. Australian maritime regulations are governed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is an international treaty that outlines the rights and responsibilities of nations and their adjacent seas. Some terms of the UNCLOS regarding activities and business in international waters may be applicable to your circumstances.
Australian Maritime, Port & Marine industry legislation
Some Australian federal legislation that may be applicable to your maritime business may include, but may not be limited to:
- Admiralty Act 1988
- Aquaculture Reform (Repeals and Transitional Provisions) Act 2004
- Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990
- Crimes (Ships and Fixed Platforms) Act 1992
- Carriage of Goods by Sea Act 1991
- Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims Act 1989
- Marine Navigation Levy Act 1989
- Marine Safety (Domestic Commercial Vessel) National Law Act 2012
- Maritime Transport and Offshore Facilities Security Act 2003
- Navigation Act 2012
- Occupational Health and Safety (Maritime Industry) Act 1993
- Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006
- Protection of the Sea (Shipping Levy) Act 1981
- Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992
- Shipping Registration Act 1981
- Emergency Management Act 2013 (VIC)
- Emergency Management Act 2005 (WA)
- State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 (NSW)
- Disaster Management Act 2003 (QLD)
- Emergency Management Act 2004 (SA)
- Emergency Management Act 2006 (TAS)
- Emergency Management Act 2013 (NT)
New Zealand Maritime, Port & Marine industry legislation
Some New Zealand legislation that may apply to your business may include, but may not be limited to:
- Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996
- Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
- Maritime Security Act 2004
- Marine Transport Act 1994Ship Registration Act 1992
These lists are not exhaustive, and there may be additional legislation that is applicable to your circumstances, particularly if your business conducts a trade or other activities in international waters.
Maritime, Port & Marine Emergency Response
The turbulent nature of oceans and weather across the globe combined with the geographically isolated nature of many offshore sites and vessels, any emergency events that occur offshore must be responded to efficiently and effectively. Organisations and the relevant emergency services must be prepared to respond to any offshore emergencies with minimal delays, and onsite services must be able to manage the emergency until their arrival. With many vessels being located hundreds to thousands of kilometres from the nearest landmass at some points during their journey, if an evacuation is necessary, the vessel must have suitable crafts to manage an evacuation and must be able to ensure the safety of all personnel at all times. The actions taken on an offshore vessel or site must be efficient in order to minimise the impacts of an emergency.
Maritime, Port & Marine Risk Management
How Resilient Services Supports Port & Maritime Organisations
We work alongside port leaders and operators to embed resilience into daily operations, ensuring they can manage disruption without losing capability.
Emergency & Crisis Management Frameworks
Development of port-specific emergency response structures aligned with maritime operational realities and multi-agency coordination.
Business Continuity for Terminal Operations
Planning that enables cargo movement, vessel scheduling, and logistics support to continue during incidents.
Risk & Consequence Modelling
Assessment of operational vulnerabilities across infrastructure, workforce, supply chain, and systems.
Multi-Agency Coordination Planning
Integration with harbour authorities, emergency services, regulators, and contractors to ensure clear command and communication pathways.
Training, Exercising & Simulations
Scenario-based exercises that test real-world readiness — from berth incidents to cyber disruption.
After Action Reviews & Continuous Improvement
Post-incident or post-exercise evaluations that strengthen capability and support regulatory assurance.
Strengthen Your Port’s Preparedness
Ensure your port can operate through disruption, not simply recover from it.
Resilient Services partners with maritime and port organisations to deliver practical, compliant, and operationally focused resilience solutions — not just plans, but capability. Fill out an enquiry form or call us on 0439 005 271 to find out more and to see how we can help your business prepare for the unknown.
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What our clients are saying
“It was thoroughly enjoyable to work with the team at Resilient Services. Clearly, this team is enthusiastic, enjoys what they do, and is proud of what they produce.”
Head of Corporate Risk.
Oil and Gas Producer
“What stood out about Resilient was their practical approach. Meeting the team impressed me with their focus on practical solutions rather than theoretical consultant-driven approaches.”
Geelong Port.
General Manager for Health, Safety, Environment, & Quality
“Business continuity plan is comprehensive and flawless.”
Top 4 Australian
Accounting Firm 2021