Any text that underscores operations at ports shouldn’t be left to gather dust.

Rules, regulations and bylaws – they may be the unseen framework under which ports work, but rather than being seen as a chore to compile and then being packed away in a dusty file never to be viewed again, regular strategic reviews of these documents can lead to significant improvements in efficiency, productivity and safety.

Bylaws or regulations may control anything from operational controls and berth occupancy to pollution, pricing and safety and while different ports – and different regulatory authorities – approach the subject in varying ways, there are some striking examples of how reviews can bear fruit.