Background: The maritime industry is undergoing a profound transformation to meet global decarbonization goals. As Industry 4.0 advanced digital technologies are increasingly integrated into shipping operations, the role of the human element is evolving significantly. This intersection of decarbonization, digitalization, and human element/workforce transformation lays the foundation for more structured initiatives such as Green Digital Shipping Corridors (GDSCs), a strategic solution to scale zero-emission, smart maritime routes. Methods: This paper explores the interconnected roles of decarbonization, digitalization, and human capital development through a systematic literature review. It examines how these pillars converge in the implementation of GDSCs, drawing on academic and industry sources to identify challenges and opportunities in workforce readiness, policy integration, and technological adoption. Results: The findings underscore the necessity of coordinated action across the three pillars, particularly highlighting the importance of structured training programs, cross-sector collaboration, and standardized regulations. GDSCs are presented as an applied framework to align these transitions, enabling scalable, digitally enabled, low-emission maritime routes. Conclusions: There is a significant gap in current research that holistically connects the human factor with technological and environmental imperatives in the context of maritime transformation. This paper addresses that gap by introducing GDSCs as a strategic outcome of integrated change, providing actionable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and educators aiming to advance sustainable shipping.

Background: The maritime industry is experiencing a dual transformation driven by decarbonization imperatives and Industry 4.0 digitalization. Green Digital Shipping Corridors (GDSCs) is one of the initiatives that integrate zero-emission technologies to achieve shipping decarbonization. GDSCs utilize advanced digital systems and cross-sector collaboration to enable sustainable, efficient, and resilient green maritime transport. While technological architectures for GDSCs are well studied, the operational readiness of human actors—particularly seafarers and shore-based personnel—remains underexplored. Methods: This study adopts a layered, iterative methodology combining a systematic literature review, industry reports, and expert interviews. Strategic analyses were conducted using McKinsey’s 12 Elements of a Dynamic Operating Model and an upgraded Technology Readiness Level–Human Readiness Level (TRL–HRL) matrix. A five-layer Industry 4.0 architecture tailored to GDSCs was developed, alongside a comparative analysis of traditional and Industry 4.0-enabled maritime systems. A competency mapping framework was designed, aligned with STCW standards, and linked to a KPI-based evaluation and phased implementation roadmap. Results: The findings reveal significant gaps between technology maturity and human readiness, particularly in AI explainability, cognitive load compatibility, and multi-agent coordination. The proposed framework bridges traditional maritime skills with AI-enabled operations, emphasizing human–technology synergy, cybersecurity, sustainability competence, and adaptive training. Conclusion: Aligning technological deployment with structured human-factor readiness strategies is essential to realize the full potential of GDSCs. The integration of competency-based training, human-on-the-loop decision protocols, and continuous feedback mechanisms mitigates operational risks, enhances safety, and accelerates sustainable shipping transformation. The proposed model provides a replicable pathway for policymakers, training institutions, and shipping companies to implement AI-augmented GDSCs effectively.