Infrastructure Barriers in the Handling of Oversized and Heavy Cargoes, as Exemplified by the Port of Gdańsk
Purpose: Identification of infrastructure barriers in the Port of Gdańsk that affect its ability to efficiently handle oversized and heavy cargo, as well as indicating the directions and possibilities of their limitation and rapid elimination in the nearest future. Methodology: A few research methods and techniques were applied: critical literature review, factor analysis, comparative analysis and case study. Findings: Despite its strategic location and development ambitions, the Port of Gdańsk still faces numerous barriers that may limit its competitiveness in the handling of project and special cargo. Therefore, it seems necessary to implement a coherent infrastructure modernization policy, supplemented by increased availability of equipment resources and streamlined planning and operational coordination procedures. Practical implications: A key factor that may negatively affect the scope and capabilities of handling oversized cargo in seaports are the numerous barriers that may be encountered when handling this type of cargo. Awareness of existing barriers can reduce their impact and positively influence the scope of measures taken to limit their impact. In addition, this problem is especially important now from an economic and strategic point of view, as the port infrastructure is an integral component of the country's critical infrastructure. Its quality and technical standards are therefore crucial for the efficient handling of not only the category of cargo that is the subject of the analysis, but also oversized and dangerous cargo sent through the port for military and defense purposes. Originality: This study is an attempt not only to identify barriers limiting the handling of selected cargoes in the Baltic universal ports, using the example of the seaport in Gdańsk, but also indicates existing weaknesses, deficiencies and shortcomings in the critical infrastructure system of such transport hubs of particular importance not only for the economy but also for the country's defense, as is the case here.