Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IMLSafe port operations require robust business continuity management in ports. In a two-year feasibility study, StöSi is examining how a modular toolkit can provide structured support for incident response and business continuity processes, with a focus on inland ports. The project identifies critical processes, incident scenarios, and data requirements as examples, develops a generic baseline dataset for emergency plans, and links this to visualizations, training, and guidelines. At Westhafen Berlin, the consortium is testing the practical applicability of the system and preparing for its transfer to other locations.
StöSi: Continuity management in ports
Project goal: Strengthen continuity management in ports
StöSi aims to increase resilience in inland and seaports. The study examines disruptions that affect port operations as well as upstream and downstream transport chains. The focus is on inland ports, for which no structured guidelines for managing security and continuity risks currently exist.
The project identifies port operators’ data requirements for critical processes. It examines interfaces with internal departments, government agencies, emergency response teams, and service providers. The partners translate these requirements into a universally applicable structure, thereby creating a generic solution framework. This framework provides a strategic foundation for emergency plans, crisis management in ports, and business continuity strategies in line with European pandemic and crisis plans.
The planned modular toolkit consolidates operational data, incident-related information, and visualizations. It supports emergency response plans, business continuity management in ports, and restart processes. The approach covers physical, climate-related, and digital threats and incorporates KRITIS, NIS2, and other requirements. StöSi strengthens resilience in inland ports and helps prevent congestion, bottlenecks, and handling disruptions at port locations.
Specific services for business continuity management in ports
Publicly Funded Feasibility Study: Incident Management Solutions for Port Locations
- Analysis of port processes, critical infrastructure, and disruption scenarios using the Westhafen Berlin as a case study.
- Development of a set of requirements for disruption resilience and business continuity management in ports.
- Definition of a modular baseline dataset with standards for formats, quality, updates, and responsibilities.
- Development of a modular toolkit featuring digital visualizations and analog backup solutions.
- Testing of the toolkit in practical operation and evaluation of its transferability to other inland ports.
- Design of training programs, communication guidelines, and materials for stakeholders.
Project profile
| Project | StöSi – Ensuring Resilience Against Disruptions in Ports and Supply Chains Through Strategic Planning Support and Business Continuity Management |
|---|---|
| Duration | December 2025 – November 2027 |
| Funding | approximately 725,000 € (of which 79% is the BMV's grant volume) |
| Promoter | German Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) – Grant Guidelines for Innovative Port Technologies II (IHATEC II) |
| Cooperation Partners | Studiengesellschaft für den Kombinierten Verkehr e.V. (SGKV) BEHALA – Berliner Hafen- und Lagerhausgesellschaft mbH Fraunhofer IML Senatsverwaltung für Mobilität, Verkehr, Klima und Umwelt Berlin Bundesverband Öffentlicher Binnenhäfen e.V. Dortmunder Hafen |
| Project Mangement | Studiengesellschaft für den Kombinierten Verkehr e.V. (SGKV) |
“With StöSi, we collect basic data on disruptions in port operations in a structured manner and consolidate it into a modular toolkit. This allows us to examine how visualizations and clear lines of responsibility strengthen continuity management in ports and how solutions can be applied to different inland ports.”
Maximiliane Lorenz, M.Sc., research scientist, Fraunhofer IML
