Identification and ranking of oil pollution by developing a preventive management and emergency response model against pollution: A case study of a mega port on the northern coast of the Persian Gulf

Oil pollution remains a critical environmental challenge in maritime transportation, significantly impacting marine ecosystems and coastal communities. This study investigates oil pollution incidents at the loading and unloading docks of Imam Khomeini Port and aims to develop a comprehensive prevention and emergency response management model. We conducted a thorough evaluation of environmental components, specifically Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPHs), and utilized the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to identify and prioritize risks. Key findings revealed four emergency pollution scenarios, highlighting critical areas that require immediate intervention. Our analysis underscored essential agenda items for effective emergency response planning, scoring 4.4 for environmental resource conservation and 4.35 for pre-incident responsibility assignment. Furthermore, a McKinsey Gap Analysis identified seven strategic priorities for the emergency response plan, indicating substantial weaknesses in the strategy (1.65) and skills (1.75) dimensions, demonstrating inadequate crisis preparedness. These results emphasize the urgent need for a robust emergency response model tailored to mitigate oil pollution risks. By addressing identified gaps, this study provides a strategic framework for enhancing environmental management practices at the port, fostering more sustainable operations in the Persian Gulf region. Ultimately, our findings advocate for collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including national and international organizations, to implement rigorous environmental policies and effective monitoring systems to safeguard marine environments against oil pollution.