This paper introduces the concept of maritime logistics value as one of the most significant strategic goals that maritime operators want to achieve. The value is reflected in operational efficiency (e.g. reducing lead time and business costs) and service effectiveness (e.g. flexibility, responsiveness and reliability in the service). Drawing from key theories and practices in strategic management such as knowledge-based perspective and social network embeddedness perspective, this paper adopts a knowledge management strategy as a way to create and sustain the maritime logistics value. A conceptual framework is established for the exploration of the way to acquire knowledge and the effectiveness of the acquired knowledge in maximising the maritime logistics value. Following the parameters of this framework, the positive relationship between social networks, knowledge acquisition and maritime logistics value is identified, and its relevant theoretical and practical implications are discussed. IntroductionHistorically, maritime operators including shipping lines, port terminal operators and freight forwarders were regarded as independent entities that solely provide sea transportation services. Yet the rapidly changing nature of current business environments has shifted this tradition. As a central component of global logistics systems, maritime operators are now forced to perform both sea transport-related services and other related and wider logistical services, and to be well inter-linked with other players in the total logistics flow in an efficient and effective manner. Such an integrated demand of global logistics has contributed to the growth of the maritime logistics system [1]. Maritime logistics is often referred to as a set of maritime transport processes involved in the entire logistics flows. The value created by the maritime logistics system can be defined as a maritime logistics value. Maritime logistics value is related to the extent of how well the maritime logistics system responds to the customer demands through the successful management of the flow of goods, services and information over the maritime logistics. The higher maritime logistics value would lead to the greater customer satisfaction as well as the higher performance of both individual operators and the entire logistics system.

Knowledge acquisition may help maritime operators to maximise maritime logistic value. The operators can acquire knowledge through being embedded in a coopetitive (viz. mixture of cooperation and competition) network. This paper aims to examine how effectively maritime logistics operators coordinate the inter-organisational coopetitive relationships in order to acquire knowledge. The paper also diagnoses the effectiveness of the acquired knowledge on the improvement of maritime logistics value. A theoretical framework is established to show the relationships among factors and is empirically examined through both an explorative interview method and a Delphi survey analysis. The findings show that (i) a high level of cooperation in a coopetitive network facilitates knowledge acquisition, (ii) competition in the network has, to some extent, promoted the positive impact of the cooperation on knowledge acquisition, and (iii) the acquired knowledge has a positive influence on the improvement of maritime logistics value.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine what types of shipping knowledge are crucial in order for shipping companies to survive in dynamic business environment, and to investigate how the shipping knowledge affects the company’s performance (i.e. organizational innovation and logistics value). This paper also diagnoses the moderating effect of absorptive capacity on the relationship between the shipping knowledge and its effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach – Based on the literature, a theoretical framework and relevant hypotheses are established so as to show associated relationships between shipping knowledge, absorptive capacity, and organizational innovation and logistics value. Data are collected for an empirical analysis and a moderated hierarchical regression analysis is conducted to test the hypotheses. Findings – Results show that a high level of shipping knowledge has a positive influence on the organizational innovation and logistics value of shipping companies. The findings also indicate that, while the absorptive capacity of shipping companies moderates the positive impact of shipping knowledge on the logistics value, it directly affects the improvement of organizational innovation. Research limitations/implications – This research verifies that effective knowledge management of shipping companies plays a significant role in developing organizational innovation and improving logistics performance. The research findings provide shipping companies with a strategic insight into the identification of critical sources for competitive advantage and greater organizational performance from an organizational learning perspective. Practical implications – This line of research is served as an indicator of a good strategic direction for the practitioners engaged in the maritime transport and logistics industry, in order for them to become better integrated entities in a global logistics system as well as maximize their competitive advantages. Originality/value – This paper makes the first attempt in its kind at empirically examining the types of shipping knowledge and its overall effectiveness in terms of the improvement of organizational innovation and logistics value. The moderating role of absorptive capacity on the impact of knowledge on organizational performance has also been initiated in the maritime logistics research.