Resilience of the Port Industry to Socioeconomic Challenges: The Role of Human Capital

Governments worldwide have recognized the importance of sustaining the port industry for economic stability, particularly during times of socioeconomic challenges. In response, the Egyptian government launched a plan in 2014 to enhance trade, logistics, and supply chain sectors in seaports, emphasizing the role of human capital in ensuring port sustainability. In November 2024, 130 respondents from the Ports of Alexandria and Port Said participated in a survey to assess the impact of human capital development on the resilience of ports, which plays a crucial role in tackling the government's socioeconomic challenges. The survey focused on the number, type, evaluation, and impact of training courses on port workers' performance. The study used advanced statistical methods, including SEM and the two-way fixed-effect model, to evaluate the effects of training on port performance after one year. Results indicated significant improvements in Port Said, particularly in reducing idle time and improving handling rates, compared to Alexandria. The analysis showed that training programs positively impacted key performance indicators (KPIs), especially environmental awareness and operational efficiency. Employees aged 36-50 and those with 6-15 years of experience showed the most significant performance improvements, with mid-career personnel driving the reduction in idle time. Although KPIs significantly reduced idle time, their broader impact on other metrics was limited. The study highlights the critical role of organizational structure, training, and workforce development in fostering resilience in the port industry. It suggests that additional research into employee satisfaction and teamwork could yield valuable insights into enhancing port performance's resilience to socioeconomic challenges.