Synchro-modal supply chain eco-NET (SYNCHRO-NET) is a Horizon 2020 European research project aimed at overcoming the stress due to the increasing transportation distances, the higher complexity, and the vulnerability of international supply chains. In order to foster sustainability, quality, and reliability of such supply chains, SYNCHRO-NET mainly exploits the impact and the possible benefits coming from slow/smart-steaming and synchro-modality transportation strategies, and the related business models. The aim of this paper is to summarize and disseminate the main developments and scientific contributions coming from the project. In particular, the working core of the SYNCHRO-NET solution is an integrated and cloud-based eco-system of optimization and simulation software modules that supports stakeholders’ decisions in freight transportation and logistics management at strategic, operational, and real-time levels. The platform has achieved a high grade of automation in several processes to overcome all the issues related to human-based operations. The efficiency and effectiveness of the overall platform have been tested on three case studies considering pan-European and regional trade lanes, as well as commercial activities between the Far East and European ports. The project results and outputs also allow us to analyze barriers and opportunities of the approach, industrial and academic developments, and relations with emerging technologies.

The logistics sector faces substantial challenges in meeting customer demands for higher service quality, speed and flexibility under conditions of continued growth in world trade and worldwide transportation movements, increasing distances and vulnerabilities of the supply chain. Additional challenges relate to the economic and environmental sustainability of logistics operations. While a lot of attention was devoted in the past decades to the operational and technical aspects, the business development phase has been put aside, causing the market failure of several projects. The paper presents the SYNCHRO-modal supply chain eco-NET (SYNCHRO-NET) project, which will demonstrate the effectiveness of slow steaming combined with synchro-modality in reducing the cost and the emissions of international supply chains and improving reliability and sustainability through the optimization of the planning process. Differently from other similar projects, SYNCHRO-NET combines operational aspects with a business perspective and represents a stakeholder-driven approach aimed at developing a close-to-market solution over the timeframe of the project.

The transport and logistics industry plays a crucial role in supporting the economy, but it faces various challenges, including high costs and the need for operational efficiency. To address these challenges, the industry is embracing digital transformation, and 5G networks are expected to play a significant role in this process. This paper explores the benefits of 5G technologies in the transportation and logistics sector, focusing on device density, low latency, network slicing, supply chain visibility, port operations, and enhanced communication. Additionally, the paper emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement and sustainability considerations in the adoption of innovative technologies. The research methodology involves an online survey administered to stakeholders in the port logistics sector, aiming to assess their knowledge and implementation of innovative technologies. The paper also reviews the relevant literature and highlights the potential of digital technologies, such as IoT, blockchain, AI, and 5G, in optimizing supply chains and port operations. The findings provide insights into the current state of knowledge and implementation of innovative technologies in port operations and the potential for market adoption and contribute to understanding the benefits and challenges of 5G technology in the logistics industry.

Since the global request for freight transportation is continuously increasing to face the requirements of the modern economy, 5G infrastructures and companion technologies are becoming essential to support the digital transformation in logistics and transportation, in particular for their capability to allow data collection through a multitude of different sources across the supply chain, improving the connectivity and making more effective the secure and reliable data sharing. The objective of this work is to assess the penetration and implementation levels of innovative technologies to optimize port operations, by interviewing a set of actors and stakeholders directly involved in the logistics chain of ports.

This work aims to evaluate a set of Critical Success Factors (CSF) that are important for port operations optimization. Furthermore, a set of 5G enabled applications is evaluated based on their importance for two typologies of companies located in the port of Hamburg, Athens and Luka Koper. More specifically, the importance of CSFs and 5G enabled applications and services is assessed based on the point of views of respondents working for technological companies and companies involved in the port’s operations, using Multi Criteria Analysis. Finally, the relationship between the CSFs and 5G applications and services is considered based on the χ ² test of hypothesis. Then, the possibility to promote 5G applications and services as CSF for port operations optimization which will in turn increase port competitiveness, is discussed.