DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN MARITIME SECTOR: ENHANCING EFFICIENCY, SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

Maritime transport, which moves the bulk of over 90% of merchandise, and about 80% of its value, is a foundation of global trade, and its pressures have grown due to globalization, environmental regulations, and the complexity in its operations. This systematic review analysis qualitatively on how today’s emerging digital technologies, for e.g.  Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data analytics, Blockchain, Digital Twins, and autonomous systems can be used to transform the maritime into a more efficient domain with a more environment sustainable, safer operations. Systematic methods of literature review, of 1,333 records of peer-reviewed journals, conference papers, policies and official reports of institutions was conducted, about 217 publications were filtered to be included in the qualitative synthesis. The review can also point to essential applications in ship operations, port management, maritime logistics, supply chains, and governance with such measurable benefits as fuel optimization, emissions reduction, predictive maintenance, improved cargo throughput, open information exchange and enhanced navigational safety. Comparative assessment suggests that the maritime digitalization is further behind other sectors of the economy like in aviation and manufacturing because of the extended assets lifecycle, fragmented ownership, and the complicated international regulations frameworks. This review is a synthesis of the technological, operational, environmental, and policy aspects of digitalization of the maritime sector, which offers a future research, policy-making, and implementation of a digitally empowered, sustainable maritime sector.