Impact of the Megatrend Digitalization on Maritime Logistics – Analysis of Opportunities and Threats

The environment of maritime logistics actors in general and seaports in particular is very dynamic. Major megatrends challenging maritime logistics actors include e.g. globalization and changing trade patterns and production systems, demographic change, or the overall demand for more sustainability. However, no trend affects complete industries more than the technological progress driven by the megatrend digitalization. This paper analyzes the challenges arising from changing framework conditions that force maritime logistics actors like seaports and inland ports to change their mindset towards a maritime logistics ecosystem thinking and to digitally interconnect with other maritime logistics actors. It elaborates the opportunities and threats arising from the megatrend digitalization that affect maritime logistics actors in general and seaports in particular. Finally, the paper brings maritime logistics in general and ports in particular into the context of the current scientific discussion on digitalization and Industrie 4.0. It transfers the Industrie 4.0 concept to the maritime sector, resulting in a Port 4.0.