Maritime Legal Update – December 2025
TT Club – “Port Authority Bulletin” (October
2025): The New Risk Landscape for Port Authorities and Terminal Operators
(prepared by Marek Czernis & Co. Law Office)
Marek Czernis Law Office & Co. | www.czernis.pl
1. Introduction
In October 2025, TT Club released its
latest Port Authority Bulletin, focusing on the evolving risk
landscape faced by port authorities and terminal operators.
The publication identifies an increasingly complex mix of challenges —
geopolitical instability, energy transition pressures, the rise of ultra-large
vessels, and digitalisation — all of which require ports to significantly adapt
operationally and strategically.
2. Key Themes and Focus Areas
a) A New Risk Environment for Port Authorities
Ports now face heightened exposure due to global trade route shifts, energy
transitions and vessel scale increases. Strategic risk assessments are vital to
ensure operational resilience and infrastructure adequacy.
b) Safety in NAABSA Berths (Not Always Afloat
But Safely Aground)
TT Club highlights port liability and risk when operating NAABSA berths where
vessels ground at low tide. Proper dredging, seabed mapping and maintenance
regimes are essential to mitigate grounding and structural damage.
c) “Just-in-Time” Arrivals – Efficiency and
Safety
Optimising vessel scheduling and port-call coordination through just-in-time
arrivals improves efficiency and reduces emissions, but demands reliable
communication between ship and port systems.
d) Port Energy Security and Transition
As ports evolve into energy hubs, TT Club urges authorities to assess energy
supply chain resilience, backup power strategies, and integration of renewables
to avoid blackouts and disruptions.
e) Infrastructure
Innovation – Smart Bollards and Monitoring Systems
Technological innovation, such as smart bollards, real-time monitoring
and predictive maintenance, is reshaping how ports manage risk and improve
safety.
f) Managing “Project Cargo” Risks
Handling out-of-gauge and project cargoes presents new exposures for terminals
and ports — including structural stresses, liability for cargo damage, and
insurance implications. TT Club advises enhanced supervision, documentation and
collaboration with underwriters.
3. Implications for Ports, Shipowners and
Operators
- Port authorities must
undertake infrastructure reviews and risk mapping, particularly of berths,
mooring systems and energy supply.
- Terminal operators should
revise risk management procedures to account for automation,
digitalisation and new cargo types.
- Shipowners and charterers should
expect higher operational and documentary standards at ports, impacting
berth availability and contractual terms.
- Insurers and brokers need
to closely follow port operational changes, as these directly affect the
risk profiles and insurance structures within port operations.
4. Practical Recommendations
a. Infrastructure Risk Audit – Conduct
detailed assessments of berths (including NAABSA), mooring facilities and
port-energy systems.
b. Operational Policy Review – Integrate geopolitical, digital and
renewable-energy risk factors into port operating procedures.
c. Training and Awareness – Ensure that port and terminal staff are
trained in new technologies and safety protocols.
d. Collaboration with Shipping Lines – Enhance communication and
coordination regarding just-in-time arrivals and data exchange between port and
vessel systems.
e. Insurance Strategy Alignment – Engage with insurers to update port
insurance programs in light of new operational risks and liabilities.
5. Conclusion
TT Club’s Port Authority Bulletin –
October 2025 highlights that the port and terminal sector is
entering a phase of transformation — technological, operational, and
environmental.
Ports must move from a reactive to a proactive risk-management culture,
embracing digitalisation and sustainability while maintaining safety and
resilience.
In the view of Marek Czernis & Co. Law Office, the trends and
recommendations presented by TT Club will significantly shape operational,
contractual, and insurance strategies across the port industry over the
coming years.