Autonomous Maritime Logistics in the Age of Sustainable Digital Transformation: An Integrative Framework for Smart and Green Shipping
Keywords:
Autonomous Maritime Logistics (AML), Smart Ports, Autonomous Shipping Maritime, Digital Transformation, Sustainable Maritime Transport
Abstract
The maritime logistics sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by the convergence of automation, digitalization, and sustainability imperatives. This paper explores the emerging paradigm of autonomous maritime logistics within a sustainable digital framework, addressing both technological and regulatory dimensions. Using a multidisciplinary lens combining systems theory, environmental economics, and maritime informatics, this study synthesizes recent empirical findings and proposes a conceptual model integrating autonomous technologies with environmental and operational performance indicators. The novelty of this research lies in its articulation of a sustainable-autonomous symbiosis as the future backbone of maritime logistics infrastructure. The study also offers policy and managerial recommendations for fostering resilient and intelligent maritime supply chains.
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References
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Cariou, P. (2011). Is slow steaming a sustainable means of reducing CO? emissions from container shipping? Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 16(3), 260–264.
Corbett, J. J., & Winebrake, J. J. (2008). Emissions tradeoffs among alternative marine fuels: Total fuel cycle analysis of residual oil, marine gas oil, and marine diesel oil. Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 58(4), 538–542.
DNV. (2023). Maritime Forecast to 2050 – Energy Transition Outlook. https://www.dnv.com/maritime/publications
Ghosh, S., Majumdar, A., & Ghoshal, A. (2023). AI-driven decision support systems in maritime logistics: A review and research agenda. Expert Systems with Applications, 223, 119918.
Heilig, L., Schwarze, S., & Voß, S. (2017). An analysis of digital transformation in the history and future of modern ports. Computers in Industry, 89, 11–34.
IMO. (2021). Regulatory Scoping Exercise for the Use of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). International Maritime Organization.
IMO. (2023). Initial IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships. https://www.imo.org
Kretschmann, L., Burmeister, H. C., & Jahn, C. (2022). Systemic requirements for the safe operation of autonomous ships. WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs, 21(2), 245–266.
Lee, H. S., Kim, J., & Park, Y. (2020). Framework for analyzing navigational safety of autonomous ships using system dynamics. Safety Science, 130, 104860.
Lin, Y. H., Lai, P. L., & Chiu, H. H. (2022). Blockchain adoption in port logistics: Identifying critical success factors. Maritime Policy & Management, 49(3), 341–359.
Luo, M., & Yip, T. L. (2021). Evolution of maritime governance in the age of autonomy: Implications for policy and regulation. Marine Policy, 134, 104800.
Murtagh, N., Gatersleben, B., & Uzzell, D. (2014). The psychology of sustainable shipping: Behavioural interventions for reducing emissions. Energy Policy, 70, 254–263.
Notteboom, T., & Rodrigue, J. P. (2022). Port regionalization: Integrating ports and hinterlands in global supply chains. Transport Reviews, 42(5), 629–650.
Perera, L., Soares, C. G., & Santos, T. A. (2020). Artificial intelligence applications to enhance safety and efficiency in autonomous shipping. Ocean Engineering, 207, 107380.
Porathe, T., Prison, J., & Man, Y. (2018). Situation awareness in remote control centres for unmanned ships. Procedia Manufacturing, 3, 2674–2681.
Psaraftis, H. N. (2019). Decarbonization of maritime transport: A review and framework for research. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 71, 3–17.
Psaraftis, H. N., & Kontovas, C. A. (2010). Balancing the economic and environmental performance of maritime transportation. Transportation Research Part D, 15(8), 458–462.
Ramos, J. S., & Almeida, M. C. (2022). Strategic frameworks for integrating digital ports into the maritime logistics chain. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 178, 121591.
Rodrigue, J. P., & Notteboom, T. (2020). The geography of global supply chains: Evidence from maritime shipping networks. Journal of Transport Geography, 88, 102826.
Roy, J., & Becker, A. (2021). The role of climate resilience in port infrastructure investment. Ocean & Coastal Management, 211, 105728.
UNCTAD. (2023). Review of Maritime Transport 2023. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. https://unctad.org
Vickridge, C., & Leung, J. (2022). Maritime digital twins: A new paradigm for shipping innovation. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 10(1), 103.
Wang, H., & Ng, A. K. Y. (2018). The impact of automation on employment in port terminals. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 117, 102–117.
Wang, S., & Qu, X. (2016). Vessel scheduling optimization under uncertainty: A robust model for autonomous fleets. European Journal of Operational Research, 251(3), 938–953.
Xu, M., Zhang, X., & Li, D. (2023). Smart ports in the era of big data: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Cleaner Production, 379, 134860.
Yeo, G. T., Roe, M., & Dinwoodie, J. (2008). Evaluating the competitiveness of container ports using an analytic hierarchy process. Maritime Economics & Logistics, 10(4), 348–365.
Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Zaman, H., & Habib, M. S. (2021). Integrated environmental and risk assessment for sustainable maritime supply chains. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 26, 703–713.
Zhang, D., & Lam, J. S. L. (2019). Port digitalization and value creation in maritime supply chains. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 129, 1–17.
Zis, T., & Psaraftis, H. N. (2020). The implications of emission control area regulations: A literature review. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 150, 110732.
Zhou, H., & Chen, G. (2021). Governance models for autonomous maritime operations: A comparative policy analysis. Marine Policy, 132, 104688.
Published
2025-05-31
Section
Articles
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