FBEM - Technology integration in maritime and ports operations

Seaports are critical to the global supply chain, and as maritime trade grows with globalization, inefficiencies in port call processes and ship waiting times increase. This research develops a framework for Port Call Optimization (PCO) models to support collaboration and decision-making between stakeholders within the Nautical Chain (NC) and terminals while considering the differences between different governance port structures. The Design Science Research (DSR) approach, which is backed by a strong knowledge base, provides a systematic way to design a PCO tool for a port. Integrating this approach with the co-design process involving user input ensures that the tool aligns with client needs and trends. This study uncovers a framework to assess the prerequisites for PCO tool implementation and develops steps to build a roadmap for PCO tools that incorporate the intricacies of different port governance structures. The findings from this research lay the groundwork for future research regarding the implementation of a PCO tool by bridging the gap between the fragmented research in this domain.

Smart seaports emerge as a promising solution to tackle the evolving challenges encountered by international trade and logistics systems. Through the deep integration of digital technologies and the electrification of cargo handling equipment, smart ports can significantly enhance their capacity and optimize resource allocation during port operations. This enables continuous improvement in port competitiveness. This paper conducts a systematic literature review of smart ports by analyzing existing publications in this domain. It delves into the current status of research on smart ports, identifies existing challenges and key research gaps, and examines the influence of smart ports. Additionally, the paper explores barriers to implementation of the new smart port technologies and proposes corresponding solutions and describes the smart seaport initiatives in Northern Norway via interviews with Norwegian practitioners. The objective is to establish a robust academic foundation in the field of smart ports and to delineate open research directions that will stimulate further interest and research.

As the logistics industry seeks sustainable solutions to reduce environmental impacts, digitalization plays a pivotal role in transforming freight flows. This study explores the anticipated impact of implementing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to enhance rail capacity management at a North European port, a key node for the Scandinavian freight network. Drawing on interviews with stakeholders-including logistics operators, rail service providers, and port authorities-the paper examines how real-time data from RFID readers is expected to optimize operations, reduce inefficiencies, and support the green transition of freight flows. Findings reveal that RFID-enabled digitalization is seen as a critical enabler for improving rail capacity utilization, minimizing delays, and fostering data-driven decision-making. Stakeholders identified challenges related to technical integration, organizational readiness, and aligning digital innovations with sustainability goals. By analyzing these perspectives, the study provides actionable insights into the socio-technical dynamics of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) adoption in logistics and highlights the broader potential of digitalization to drive the green transition of logistics. This paper contributes to understanding how ICT innovations like RFID can bridge operational efficiency and environmental sustainability, offering insights for ports and other logistics hubs aiming to meet green transition objectives.

Innovation is a dynamic and multi-dimensional concept that varies across industries, requiring tailored approaches for assessment and management. While numerous studies explore innovation in various industries, a system-level analysis of innovation indicators in the port industry remains limited. This study develops a comprehensive framework for identifying and ranking port-related innovation indicators. Drawing from established sources such as the OSLO and FRASCATI Manuals, Eurostat's Community Innovation Survey, and UNCTAD's Review of Maritime Transport, a long list of forty-two innovation indicators is compiled and validated through literature review. To ensure a robust evaluation, two Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approaches-COMET (Characteristic Objects Method) and TOPSIS (Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution)-are employed. These methods facilitate a comparative analysis of indicator rankings based on expert evaluations from the European transportation and port industry. The expected results aim to validate the employed methodologies, prioritize innovation indicators by relevance and feasibility, and provide actionable insights for benchmarking seaport innovation capacity. The findings will contribute to strategic decision-making, performance assessment, and the future development of innovation policies in the maritime industry.

This study seeks to explore the development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on Remote Inspection Techniques (RIT) in maritime operations. By focusing on end-user perspectives for aerial platforms, magnetic crawlers and underwater platforms, the research identifies stakeholders' expectations and aligns them with operational requirements. The research identifies key stakeholders involved in the inspection process, delineates their roles and responsibilities, and examines their specific expectations from each type of RIT. Additionally, it establishes KPIs that address the technical and operational requirements for these technologies, ensuring they effectively meet stakeholder needs and support enhanced inspection processes.