Date of Award
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy in Maritime Affairs
Specialization
Ph.D (Maritime Affairs)
Campus
Malmö, Sweden
Country
Pakistan
First Advisor
Khanssa Lagdami
Abstract
The domestic ferry sector is a significant component of maritime transportation. It strengthens social ties, supports economic growth and connects communities. Despites its importance, this industry faces ongoing challenges. These include fragmented governance, operational adequacies, safety risks and environmental concerns. The study deals with these issues by combining a systems-based approach with governance and change management theories. It examines the interplay between human, technical and organizational aspects. The study integrates the rule-based and rights-based maritime governance along with the Lewin’s three stage change management model (Unfreeze, Change, and Refreeze).
At the core of the study is the development of a principles, criteria, and indicators (PCI) framework, enriched with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions. These ESG aspects are embedded into the governance structure to ensure environmental resilience, social responsibility (including safety, inclusion, and stakeholder engagement), and ethical, transparent governance practices. The framework introduces the safety and sustainability governance (SSG) principles, which are organized into four foundational pillars: (1) proactive planning, (2) safety-centric governance, (3) effective management, and (4) monitoring and climate-resilient practices. Together, these principles are operationalized through 15 criteria and 52 indicators that align with international maritime standards. The framework’s novelty lies in the integration of ESG-based safety considerations into indicator design, enhancing its relevance, adaptability, and decision-making utility. The framework was refined through focus group discussions and a cross-regional survey involving stakeholders from 48 countries, ensuring diverse perspectives and practical insights.
The PCI framework produces actionable metrics and a dashboard of results that provides a clear organizational and operational performance snapshot. Statistical validation using tools such as Cronbach’s alpha and Pearson correlation confirmed strong associations between improved governance mechanisms and enhanced safety outcomes. Ultimately, this study offers a replicable and scalable governance model that contributes to global efforts to improve maritime safety, sustainability, and resilience in the domestic ferry sector.