In this paper, the authors perform a comprehensive literature review of the positive impacts of blockchain-based information exchange in the maritime transport sector, as well as the challenges and barriers for successful blockchain-based information exchange, considering all three aspects of the sustainability (economic, environmental, and social). The papers from relevant databases (Web of Science and Scopus) and selected studies have been used. The literature coverage was expanded by using backward snowball sampling. In total, 20 positive impacts and 20 challenges/barriers were singled out. Despite the identified barriers and challenges (such as the slow acceptance of blockchain technology in the maritime transport sector or the high implementation cost), blockchain technology possesses a definite potential to improve the information exchange between all involved stakeholders (for example, by improving the visibility across transport routes and by reducing the paper-based processes), positively affecting all three aspects of sustainability. The authors contribute to the existing research of the economic aspect of maritime transport sustainability by blockchain-based information exchange by expanding it and by researching the environmental and social aspects of sustainability.

This paper presents a comprehensive review of National Single Window concept and its impact on sustainability in maritime transport and seaports. The theoretical frameworks of sustainability, maritime transport, seaports, the National Single Window and the Maritime National Single Window is provided. The importance of stakeholder connectivity in maritime transport and seaports in improving sustainability is demonstrated, as well as the advantages of smoother data exchange through global analysis of National Single Window examples, the majority of which present national and regional best practices and initiatives. Empirical data has been provided in order to demonstrate the impact of National Single Windows and Maritime National Single Windows on seaport sustainability (economic, environmental, and social).

In this research, the authors investigated the factors of digital transformation in the maritime transport sector, which were applied to the case study of Croatia. Since there is a pronounced lack of research dealing with the digital transformation factors in the maritime transport sector both globally and in Croatia, as a first step the authors identified the aforementioned factors using the literature review method and interviews. Moreover, the survey was carried out among a representative group of stakeholders involved in the maritime transport sector in Croatia, including administrative entities such as port authorities, ministries, and harbormaster’s offices, as well as commercial participants such as freight forwarders, agents, and terminal operators. The goal was to obtain the state of the art of digital transformation in the maritime transport sector. A total of 94 organizations provided valid responses. Finally, the authors proposed measures to improve the digital transformation in the maritime transport sector in Croatia. The results highlighted the importance of various digital transformation factors, such as information security, investment in emerging technologies, leadership motivation, and expertise. The case study presented serves as a valuable reference for comparable countries that recognize their resource constraints but aspire to enhance their efficiency and competitiveness.

In this research, the authors aimed to investigate the factors affecting the competitiveness of container seaports and apply the research results to the case study of the Port of Rijeka. The previous related research on the topic of the Port of Rijeka is valuable, however, the seaport competitiveness factors were not elaborated in detail, which also represents a research gap. As a first step, the authors identified the competitiveness factors influencing container seaports, using the literature review method. Further, the authors conducted the case study of the Port of Rijeka, using the following identified competitiveness factors: the port’s geographical location, feeder connection, and maritime connectivity, infrastructure and superstructure of the container terminal, berth length, depth of the port and port area characteristics, road and railway infrastructure, port reputation, costs, customs procedure efficiency, and ICT systems. Finally, the authors propose measures to improve the competitiveness of the Port of Rijeka. The presented case study could be used as a reference point for similar container seaports, which are aware of their limited resources, but need to increase their efficiency and competitiveness.

Considering that the maritime logistics is by volume and financial value the largest logistics sector enabling global trade, the number of supply chains is constantly growing, as well as the number of supply chain stakeholders. Due to the large number of stakeholders in the supply chains, the volume of generated data is enormous. Therefore, it is necessary to implement modern and intelligent solutions for processing and storing the data. One possible solution for processing and storing the data in maritime logistics is cloud computing. There are different approaches to implementing cloud computing in maritime logistics. In this paper, the authors present a detailed structure of the maritime cloud and compare it with the legacy systems. Finally, the advantages and challenges arising from the implementation of cloud computing in maritime logistics are analyzed.

In this paper, the authors identify the existence of container imbalance that occurs in different types of ports, depending on the type of inbound and outbound cargo they serve. The authors further analyze international trade realities and maritime companies’ requirements and identified inefficiencies. A comprehensive review of the relevant container regulations and identification standards is performed. Based on their findings, a paradigm change is proposed in the form of a modular container solution that uses disruptive digital technologies to ensure dynamic container identification (numbering) that can be exploited to overcome such inefficiencies. The technical requirements for coupling and decoupling operations are identified, along with detailed analysis of the requirements for embedded electronic components. Considering the strict container data exchange rules, the required changes in global container tracking systems are identified and explained. Coupling, decoupling, and serial number assignment procedures are proposed along with analysis of the measured lead times. Modularization and dynamic smart numbering are identified as viable disruptive technologies to address the global container imbalance. The authors contribute to the existing research on maritime transport sustainability by proposing a modular container solution, exploiting disruptive digital technologies, and clearly defining the prerequisites for the global introduction of the solution as a part of the digital transformation portfolio of involved stakeholders managing global container movements.