Digital Transformation of Maritime Supply Chains Focusing on Ocean Shipping, Port Management and Hinterland Connection

Abstract

For many years, shipping companies, terminal operators, port industry actors and logistics service providers have been successfully engaged in innovating their assets, processes and business activities. The best-known key innovation is the introduction of the standardized container. This innovation has been the basis for other innovations such as supply chain management, just-in-time delivery, port integration, ship size development and linked hinterland connections. The business world is abuzz with talk about automation, self-control, cloud logistics, electrification, green processes and dematerialization. However, the most important key innovation now and for the foreseeable future is related to digitalization and digital transformation of business activities. Digital transformation is widely understood as the process of implementing digital technologies and supporting capabilities to create digital business models. In this context, a rethinking of previous approaches to communication, coordination and cooperation between stakeholders along the supply chain is appropriate and necessary. The purpose of the present chapter is to reflect the opportunities and challenges related to this digital transformation, focusing on ocean shipping, port management and hinterland connectivity. This chapter aims to identify and characterize expectations, opportunities and peculiarities of this transformation, and to sketch a picture of the future. Particular attention is given to the influence of digital gaps, cultural differences and the power of data.