Introduction

The benefits of RoRo shipping in terms of quicker turnaround times compared to container transport are apparent, primarily attributed to higher departure frequencies and reduced dwell times in terminals (Woxenius and Bergqvist 2011). Addressing bottlenecks is crucial for achieving these efficiencies. Despite limited coverage in the literature, simulation studies of RoRo terminal operations are lacking (Abourraja et al. 2023). However, the disclosure of the modelling of terminal processes as a basis for simulation studies has so far only been carried out to a very limited extent. This study aims to comprehensively delineate current terminal processes in the Baltic Sea region, facilitating simulation studies and digital integration initiatives (Santos and Santos 2024).

Methodology

The research framework of Design Science Research (DSR) (Peffers et al. 2008) guided this study. A literature review was conducted to identify prevalent approaches to modeling operational processes within RoRo terminals and ports. Additionally, interviews were conducted with various stakeholders in the RoRo sector to understand current terminal processes. Twenty-three interviews were conducted initially, involving players in the sector. BPMN was employed for modeling, followed by validation of BPMN models in five feedback sessions involving sector participants.

Findings:

The findings reveal a macro-level model illustrating the interconnections among distinct functional areas within RoRo terminals, categorized by accompanied and unaccompanied transport in import and export contexts. This model forms the foundation for four additional models delineating import and export processes, further subdivided based on accompanied and unaccompanied transport. It offers insights into the operational engagements of individual stakeholders and their mutual interactions.

Discussion:

The delineation of individual process steps across all terminal stakeholders can serve as a foundation for operational simulation studies and facilitate the integration of digital methodologies to enhance terminal performance. Previously, there was no comparable, nuanced process delineation within the RoRo/RoPax sector. A deductive approach was employed to outline an archetypical terminal operation process, adaptable to specific terminals, thus providing a framework for simulation studies and digital solution integration. Additionally, depicting these processes fosters comprehension of the diverse stakeholders in the RoRo sector.

Conclusion

The study investigates current operational protocols at RoRo terminals in the Baltic Sea region, laying the groundwork for conducting simulation studies and integrating digital methodologies to improve operational efficiency. The results produce a detailed macro-level model illustrating interdependencies among functional domains, allowing for customization to meet individual terminal needs. This model can be utilized in future research to identify key performance indicators (KPIs) and subsequently integrated into simulation models. Additionally, it can be expanded to encompass aspects of passenger transport that have not yet been examined..

Research at the nexus of manufacturing operations and sustainability is becoming increasingly popular because of growing concerns about climate change, ground and water pollution, local and regional impacts on air quality, and the effects of increased industrial activity on community health and safety (Drake & Spinler, 2013; Corbett & Kleindorfer, 2001). Empirical academic research on sustainable operations management (SOM) was collected and analyzed in this article. Using a systematic review of the literature, the study investigated 102 articles and books on SOM that were published between 1994 and 2023. Elkington (1994) and Gupta and Sharma (1996) are two significant articles from the mid-1990s that the study included. SOM received more attention as a result of these important contributions to the integration of sustainability aspects in OM. (1) The definitions of SOM, (2) the practices of SOM, and (3) the empirical results of SOM practices on sustainable performance were the primary concerns that have guided the analysis of this study. The 'Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses' (PRISMA) approach was used for reports. To locate research that is eligible, four methods were used. First, to ensure that a wide range of scientific output is covered, the study initially performed an electronic search in two databases, Scopus and SCimago. Second, In order to determine how sustainability is integrated into operations, the study examined SOM journal articles that were published in five of the leading journals for operations management, including the International Journal of Operations and Production Management (five articles) and the Journal of Cleaner Production (nine articles). Third, to locate pertinent material, the study searched Google books and related web databases. Finally, the study looked through internet databases to find relevant conference proceedings. The features of the eligible studies found and the analysis to the above research objectives have been then presented systematically. The systematic literature review revealed that several researchers have empirically examined the relationship between some aspects of SOM practices and one or more of the dimensions of manufacturing firms' sustainable performance; however, no clear findings have been obtained thus far. Considering this discovery, the study suggested that future research bridges this knowledge gap by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the connection between SOM practices and sustainable performance. Moreover, two significant findings from the systematic literature review have been emphasized. On the one hand, manufacturing companies should take part in triple bottom line (economic, environmental, and social) issues to attain sustainability in their operations. SOM, on the other hand, broadens the firm's scope. It includes not just implementing internal SOM practices (such as sustainable product design and manufacturing processes) that improve the firm's sustainability performance but also extending sustainable practices to the supply chain that supports the firm's performance in sustainability. Besides, the study offered a widely comprehensive definition of SOM. Additionally, analysis and conclusions about how SOM practices explain business success were made from the systematic literature review. This report also identified methodological and theoretical limitations and provides several recommendations for further research.