Search Results (47)

The digital transformation of the maritime sector, driven by Industry 4.0, is reshaping port operations toward smarter and more sustainable models. This paper analyzed the implementation of Port 4.0 technologies in the Spanish port system through the lens of the Blue Ocean Strategy. By redefining competitive boundaries and applying tools such as the Four Actions Framework and value innovation curves, the study proposes a new strategic vision where ports collaborate rather than compete. Key enabling technologies (such as Big Data, IoT, AI, and Blockchain) were assessed for their capacity to optimize energy use, reduce emissions, and enhance operational efficiency. The findings highlight the potential for a unified, data-driven port ecosystem that creates a new uncontested market space for Spanish ports while promoting environmental and economic sustainability. Full article

Maritime transport is essential to global trade, but port activities have a substantial environmental impact. This study develops and applies a structured evaluation framework—combining SWOT-CAME (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats–Correct, Adapt, Maintain, and Explore) analysis with Delphi Panel validation—to assess the digital transformation readiness of Spanish ports and to prioritize strategic actions that align emerging technologies with sustainability and operational objectives. Through expert-driven analysis, this study identifies and ranks strategic factors across four categories: strengths-opportunities (SO), strengths-threats (ST), weaknesses-opportunities (WO), and weaknesses-threats (WT). Among the highest priority actions are strengthening cybersecurity, implementing workforce training in digital competencies, and promoting public–private collaboration to support technology adoption. The resulting strategic map provides port authorities with a practical decision-making tool that supports the integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Metaverse in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Future research could further explore the cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability impact of these digitalization strategies. Full article

The problem addressed in this paper is the identification and management of risks associated with the implementation and operation of green hydrogen in the Spanish port system. The growing demand for clean energy and environmental regulations are driving the adoption of green hydrogen as a viable solution to decarbonize shipping. However, this transition comes with significant challenges, including safety, infrastructure, and hydrogen handling risks. In the existing literature, several authors have used methodologies such as qualitative and quantitative risk analysis, techniques such as FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis), and the evaluation of impacts and probabilities of occurrence to identify and manage risks in similar projects. These approaches have made it possible to identify potential threats and propose effective mitigation measures. In this work, a combined methodology is proposed that includes the identification of threats, risk assessment through risk matrices, and classification of these risks for their proper management. The SWIFT method (Structured What-If Technique) and the use of impact-probability matrices are applied. The main conclusion of the work is that, although green hydrogen has great potential for the decarbonization of the port sector, its implementation requires careful management of the risks identified. The proposed mitigation measures are essential to ensure the safety and viability of green hydrogen projects in Spanish ports. Full article

This research explores the role of innovation in fostering sustainability within the Spanish Port System, emphasizing its implications for transport infrastructure. It examines the intersection of innovation and sustainability, addressing key challenges such as maritime traffic growth, energy efficiency, waste management, and community integration. It identifies opportunities for technological advancements, collaborative initiatives, and circular economy strategies that contribute to the sustainable development of port infrastructure. The findings highlight the necessity of implementing innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency, mitigate environmental impact, and strengthen stakeholder engagement. The application of advanced technologies and cooperative frameworks among port stakeholders emerges as a critical driver for achieving sustainability objectives within maritime transport systems. Full article

The implementation of the metaverse in Spanish ports poses challenges and opportunities, but it is crucial to identify and prioritize the key factors ensuring a successful transition to this new technological paradigm. To date, the literature has explored various aspects of digital transformation in ports, but few studies have specifically addressed the integration of the metaverse in this context. This study employed a prioritization matrix to evaluate five categories of factors: new operating models, institutional cooperation and coordination, customer services, data and technological maturity, and sector assimilation. Each category was evaluated based on its potential impact, urgency, ease of implementation, and cost. The results revealed that the factors related to the new operating models and institutional cooperation and coordination were considered the most important and urgent for the implementation of the metaverse in Spanish ports. On the other hand, technological maturity and sectoral assimilation were identified as the lowest priority categories. These findings suggest that the focus should be on improving operability and institutional collaboration to maximize the benefits of the metaverse in the Spanish port environment. In conclusion, this study provides a practical guide for decision-makers in the planning and implementation of digital transformation strategies in Spanish ports. By prioritizing key factors, resources can be optimized and the metaverse adoption process can be accelerated, thus contributing to the improvement of efficiency and competitiveness in the port sector. Full article

The digital transformation of port infrastructure is a key element in the evolution towards Smart Ports and Industry 4.0. This paper presents an optimized port asset management system based on Digital Twin technology and BIM/GIS integration, aiming to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and decision-making in port operations. The proposed system leverages real-time data acquisition, predictive maintenance, and resource optimization, addressing critical challenges in port asset lifecycle management. By integrating Digital Twin models with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, cloud computing, and machine learning algorithms, this approach enables data-driven decision-making, which improves operational performance and minimizes costs. The Frankenstein Strategy is introduced as an innovative methodology for port digitalization, allowing incremental integration of digital twins into existing infrastructures. The results demonstrate that this system provides enhanced asset monitoring, optimized maintenance planning, and increased operational resilience, contributing to the automation and optimization of production processes in Industry 4.0. This research highlights the potential of Digital Twin technology to revolutionize port asset management, establishing a framework for smart, data-driven, and sustainable port operations. Full article

This study examines the integration of the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) and blockchain as tools to optimize traffic management in Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) terminals within the Spanish port system. Faced with increasing operational complexity, these technologies present innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, reduce waiting times, and ensure transparency in data management. The methodology follows five main phases: analysis of the current scenario, establishment of a baseline, calculations to evaluate key outcomes, analysis of blockchain implementation, and discussion of results. Key variables include waiting times, vehicular flow, CO₂ emissions, and operational costs, comparing manual and automated scenarios. The findings reveal that the combined use of IoV and blockchain can increase vehicular flow by up to 70%, reduce waiting times by 2.56 min, and decrease CO₂ emissions by 57.74 kg per hour. Additionally, automation significantly reduces operational costs, yielding average savings of over EUR 500 per hour. This study concludes that adopting these technologies transforms port operations by fostering sustainability, efficiency, and safety. However, challenges remain, including high initial implementation costs and system interoperability issues. This work underscores the need for strategic approaches to overcome these barriers and positions Spanish ports as potential leaders in logistics innovation, aligning with global demands for sustainable, efficient, and transparent port operations. Full article

This study examines the maritime trade of biofuels in Spain, focusing on its contribution to the global energy transition and sustainable development. Using data from Spain’s 28 port authorities, the research identifies key trends, trade dynamics, and port-specific roles. This study reveals that Spain is a net biofuel exporter, maintaining a positive balance of 5.20 million tons throughout the study period. Export volumes peaked in 2021 at 1.63 million tons, while imports have shown steady growth over the past seven years. Barcelona and Bilbao emerge as strategic ports with robust connections to the Netherlands, Italy, and Belgium, reinforcing Spain’s role in the international biofuel market. This study incorporates hierarchical decision models, including classification trees, to analyze sustainability and efficiency factors in biofuel trade. These models unveil key interactions between variables such as cargo type, origin country, and port characteristics, offering actionable strategies to optimize port operations and enhance Spain’s standing in the global biofuels sector. This research highlights the importance of sustainable port infrastructure and international collaboration to strengthen Spain’s position as a pivotal player in the global energy transition. Full article

The European Directive in force on port reception facilities for waste from ships applicable to both ports and ships has the aim of protecting the marine environment. To promote this goal, the directive imposes on every member state the availability of port reception facilities adequate in meeting the needs of the ships normally using the ports without causing undue delay in their operations. As an effective tool to discourage the discharges of waste at sea, the new policy requires ports to implement a cost recovery system for the waste reception service through mandatory fees to be paid by ships irrespective of the volume of waste delivered at port. In the context of the obligations that European ports must fulfill according to the new policy on waste from ships, the present study analyzes the Spanish ports’ database. The research relates traffic characterization with the economic results of the waste reception service in each port authority to ensure that the effective reception costs are covered. The findings will enable building a robust port fee system adapted to the ship typology with the aim of mitigating economic imbalances and ensuring that ships contribute to the port reception facilities’ costs according to their characteristics. Full article

Peru constituted the most important Viceroyalty of the Spanish Empire in South America, with the Port of Callao controlling the South Pacific trade routes. Although it was safe in its infancy, Callao suffered coastal attacks leading to its fortification. However, on 28 October 1746, an earthquake and tidal wave devastated the port, leading to its relocation and the construction of the Real Felipe Fortress of Callao, the South Pacific’s most significant fortification. The fortress was based on 18th century military conceptions adapted to the specific conditions of the coastal lands of the Peruvian Viceroyalty, such as the lack of stone, the use of adobe, and the frequent earthquakes. This research sought to identify the architectural theories influencing its design, the adaptations necessary for its coastal location, and the underlying mathematical and military concepts. Photogrammetry based techniques and a geographic information system (GIS) were used for georeferencing historical planimetry, along with the analysis of historical documents. This allowed us to reconstruct the original design and make evident how European ideas were adjusted to the particularities of the American territory, thus contributing to the improvement of knowledge about Spanish military architecture in America. Full article

This study presents a methodology for determining port economic hinterlands through comprehensive logistics optimization. The research advances traditional geographical approaches by developing an integrated cost model that considers maritime transport, inland transportation, warehousing expenses, and time-dependent factors. Testing this methodology on the Spanish port system (with three main ports: Valencia, Algeciras, and Barcelona), we demonstrate how product characteristics and origins significantly influence optimal port selection and hinterland boundaries. The analysis examines both perishable goods, using bananas and oranges as case studies, and non-perishable cargo from Asian and American origins. Results reveal distinct patterns of port influence depending on goods type and origin. The study’s findings, visualized through innovative color-coded mapping, provide valuable insights for port authorities and logistics planners in optimizing supply chain decisions. Our approach contributes to port competition theory by establishing a quantitative framework for dynamic hinterland delineation based on actual logistics costs and operational factors. Full article

The Blue Economy is a relatively new concept. In 2010, Günter Pauli coined this term to refer to an economic development where a waste is raw material for a process, using the cycles of the natural world as an example. Currently, the Blue Economy is a much more broad and transversal concept and is strongly related to maritime economic sectors, from maritime transport to off-shore renewable energies through port operations. In short, the Blue Economy encompasses classic sectors such as shipbuilding together with more innovative concepts in the ports, such as digitalization, innovation, or energy transition. In this research, a new tool is developed which, as its main objective, can obtain a degree of implementation of the dimensions of the Blue Economy in Spanish ports through the evaluation of each of the economic sectors that constitute the B.E. in the 28 Spanish port authorities. To this end, a Delphi panel has been used to determine the importance of each economic dimension, a database has also been generated to determine the state of development of these dimensions in each port, and some equations have been developed to determine in base 100 how developed each port is. The results obtained show a notable development in the average of Spanish ports, highlighting Las Palmas as the port that has most developed the Blue Economy. Full article

Religious persecution, segregation, and commercial networks triggered the diaspora of Iberian New Christians and Sephardic Jews throughout the Atlantic in the Early Modern period. Despite the geographical dispersion, the diverse host environments, and the complex religious experiences, the so-called Western Sephardic Diaspora was founded on the principles of unity and preservation, which were cemented by the notion of belonging to the Nação. Thus, as a cross-border community connected by common geographical origins, collective cultural identity, and a shared New Christian background, the concept of Nação was structural for the definition and evolution of the diasporic experience of Portuguese and Spanish exiles and their descendants from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries. This article overviews the most recent findings and perspectives on the concept of the Nação as a unifying element of the Western Sephardic Diaspora. Then, it problematizes the interpretation of this concept in different Sephardic communities established in Atlantic port cities. This problem is approached by analyzing these communities’ internal bylaws (ascamot) under the lens of two critical questions: (1) the concept of Nação as defining the borders of belonging to the community and (2) the unity and preservation of the Nação as essential drifts of the organization and management of the community. This analysis emphasizes the tension between the dynamism and particularities of each community and the conservatism of the idea of Nação, promoted by small social and economic elites that exercised increasing control over the communities and their interaction with the surrounding environments. Full article

The objectives set in the 2030 agenda gravitate towards the concept of sustainability, a concept that is closely related to the efficiency of port operations. As a direct derivative of the search for more efficient logistics and port operations, a disruption of new technologies, associated with the term ‘Smart’, is making its way with a large range of new digital applications. The logistics and port sector is also undergoing a process of transition towards this kind of operational intelligence through digitized and increasingly automated devices. In this work, an analysis of the most relevant Spanish dry ports is carried out, with the clear objective of discovering their degree of adaptation to the ideal Smart concept. This was developed through the implementation of a descriptive statistical analysis and a Delphi methodology, a battery of indicators and measurement variables that classify, in an integral and objective way, the degree of the adaptation of these ports to the concept of the ideal Smart Dry Port; in this way, we obtained a ranking of the ports. The current and future trend of this type of Smart facilities is solid and clearly points towards a greater digitalization of port processes and an openness of information, with port facilities interconnected with each other through automated processes. The analysis gives a clear picture of the adaptation to digitalization and automation of three of the largest Spanish dry ports, in which there are ongoing efforts to adapt to this concept but for which there is still a long way to go. Full article

The fortified wines that originated in Mediterranean countries have, in common, a high alcohol content to increase their shelf-life during long journeys to northern Europe and the American continent. Nowadays, the world’s better-known wines, including Marsala, Madeira, Port, and Sherry, due to their high alcoholic content, sweet taste, and intense aromatic profile, are designated as dessert wines and sometimes served as aperitifs. This review gives an overview of the traditional vinification process, including the microbiota and autochthonous yeast, as well as the regulatory aspects of the main Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish fortified wines. The winemaking process is essential to defining the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that characterize the aroma of each fortified wine, giving them an organoleptic fingerprint and “terroir” characteristics. The various volatile and odorous compounds found in fortified wines during the oxidative aging are discussed in the last part of this review. Full article