Addressing Maritime Supply Chain Challenges via Industry 4.0

Dear Colleagues,

Due to the frequent occurrence of supply chain disruptions, various issues have emerged in current shipping networks and ports. These issues create significant pressure on current shipping networks and ports to handle maritime traffic flows. Supply chain disruptions can be caused by many factors, such as disease outbreaks, climate change, sudden demand shifts, and fiscal and monetary stimuli. For example, the second wave of COVID-19 abruptly caused supply chain disruptions in many countries, as well as further shortages in medical devices. The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) could assist the relevant stakeholders in addressing the major challenges caused by supply chain disruptions and help to make maritime supply chains more resilient. To define and implement Industry 4.0, some trends, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, robotics, maritime transport automation, human–machine interface, and cyber-physical systems (CPSs), could be explored. The successful utilization of Industry 4.0 in the shipping industry needs a forward-thinking approach to leverage the benefits of Industry 4.0 in a more holistic way. These trends require a smarter transformation for current shipping networks and ports. The present Special Issue aims to bring together theoretical and practical research efforts on current shipping networks and port issues.

Dr. Yui-yip Lau
Dr. Junayed Pasha
Dr. Maxim A. Dulebenets
Guest Editors

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