The disruptive impact of future advanced ICTs on maritime transport: a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose This systematic literature review focuses on the following future advanced information and communication technologies (ICTs) applied in the maritime transport of cargo: Internet of Things (IoT), big data, cloud computing and autonomous ships/vessels (including unmanned ships/vessels). The review question is: “RQ: In what context and by means of what mechanism does the implementation of future advanced ICTs have disruptive impact on maritime transport?”. Design/methodology/approach The paper complies with the methodological requirements of systematic reviews. The information analysis and synthesis are based on the CIMO logic, referring to the context (C), intervention (I), mechanism (M) and outcome (O) of the implementation of future advanced ICTs in maritime transport. Findings The review identifies the contextual factors and components of the mechanism that lead to the disruptive impact of different types of future advanced ICT interventions on maritime transport. Research limitations/implications The review approaches only the most important future advanced ICTs that will disrupt maritime transport. Practical implications The maritime transport organizations should consider: intended outcome as intervention trigger; increased efficiency and responsiveness; benchmarking. Originality/value For the first time, the CIMO logic is applied in a systematic review focused on future advanced ICTs in maritime transport. The CIMO-DMT model is elaborated as a basis for further research. Ten directions of study are recommended in a future research agenda.

Editorial

“…Due to the intense global competition and the uncertainty, logistics sector has started deploying a variety of disruptive technologies and mechanisms, aiming to become more efficient and effective (Hofmann and Rusch, 2017). Experts claim that disruptive and data-driven technologies are implemented faster in transport and logistics rather than other sectors (Deloitte, 2015a, b; Balan, 2018), forcing significant changes and improvements by transforming them into digital forms. Hence, the logistics sector and their corresponding supply chain have altered their operations in ways never predicted, to deal with the variety of complexities of the contemporary business environment (Özemre and Kabadurmus, 2020).…”

Economic aspects of automation innovations in electronic transportation management systems

“…Maritime transport is the backbone of the increasingly globalized economy and the international trade system (Du, Monios, & Wang, 2019). The maritime transport plays a substantial role in the supply chains worldwide since it ships a share of 80 per cent of the volume and 70 per cent of the value of goods traded globally (Bălan, 2020). Maritime shipping is a key sector in the economy, accounting for 90% of global economic trade (Longarela-Ares, Calvo-Silvosa, & Pérez-López, 2020).…”

Designing for Context Versus the Lock-in Effect of ‘Free’ Global Digital Platforms: A Case of SMEs from Nigeria

“…Owing to dynamic market needs, SMEs continually seek new approaches to differentiate their businesses using mobile apps [19]. The use of mobile apps is integral to SMEs as these apps assist SME owners in enhancing their ability to make effective decisions while developing, analysing, processing and transforming information.…”

“…An approach largely considered by SMEs is the use of ICTs, such as mobile apps. ICTs are key enablers of SMEs in the development of products, market research and access to information [19][20]. ICTs enhance the growth and development of SMEs in dynamic socio-economic environments, thereby enabling them to compete favourably in a fastpaced environment [21][22].…”