Wireless communication, identification and sensing technologies enabling integrated logistics: a study in the harbor environment

In the last decade, integrated logistics has become an important challenge in the development of wireless communication, identification and sensing technology, due to the growing complexity of logistics processes and the increasing demand for adapting systems to new requirements. The advancement of wireless technology provides a wide range of options for the maritime container terminals. Electronic devices employed in container terminals reduce the manual effort, facilitating timely information flow and enhancing control and quality of service and decision made. In this paper, we examine the technology that can be used to support integration in harbor's logistics. In the literature, most systems have been developed to address specific needs of particular harbors, but a systematic study is missing. The purpose is to provide an overview to the reader about which technology of integrated logistics can be implemented and what remains to be addressed in the future

WiderMoS, a new way to make better business by using the EU core network corridors and smart logistics

In December 2013, the new European transport infrastructure policy has been launched through the adoption of the new TEN-T (Trans European Transport Network) guidelines, and throughout to the “Connecting Europe Facility” as the related funding instruments. The previous TEN-T regulation achieved certain successes in cross border infrastructure. However, the revision is necessary for the development of the internal market and to allow the achievement of the Europe 2020 objectives (reduction of CO2, removing bottlenecks from transport chains that limit the smooth functioning of the European internal market and the regular flows of passengers and goods, etc.), translated as a more sustainable, green, efficient energy, safe and secure EU Transport. In order to support the implementation of the Core network Corridors, the new Regulation contains specific tools: Corridors and Coordinators. The corridors will allow bringing together all relevant stakeholders (such as Member States, regions, local authorities, infrastructure managers, port authorities, and users) under the leadership of a European coordinator and concentrate on cross border sections, intermodality and interoperability. The TENT revision aims to establish and develop an integrated trans-European transport network which covers the infrastructure for all transport modes, ensures the functioning of the internal market and strengthens economic and social cohesion. This paper introduces the WiderMoS project, an initiative promoted by the TEN-T program through the INEA “Innovation and Network Executive Agency”, and developed by 5 EU countries and 16 institutions leaded by La Spezia Port Authority, which will meet interoperability among some of the nine Priority Core Network Corridors, from west Mediterranean countries to central – north Europe, promoting the integration of transport infrastructures (port, road and rail), information structures (info-structures: Port Community Systems and Single Window Services) and transport actors, from a Business to Business (B2B) point of view, in a private – public action. The main outcomes of the project are to efficiently and commercially exploit the corridors drawn by the TEN-T making European economy more competitive, efficient and smart.Postprint (published version

APPLICATION OF BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY IN MARITIME LOGISTICS

Blockchain technology is mainly implemented in the financial services. However, there are more and more companies from different industries considering the possibility of using this technology. Potential benefits of blockchain are also recognized in logistics management. In sea shipping similar to other transport modes the application of blockchain-based solutions is still a new phenomenon. The paper presents a growing interest in blockchain technology in the area of transport and logistics and in maritime logistics in particular. The main aim of the paper is to classify current and planned applications of blockchain technology in sea shipping. To achieve this goal, two research methods were used: web content analysis and multi-case study. The results show that there are several container shipowners active in the blockchain projects, however, in terms of tonnage, they represent as much as 84% of the world\u27s container fleet. Four main ways of developing blockchain technology in the field of maritime logistics management are distinguished: shipowner’s projects, ICT providers’ projects, supply chain operators’ projects, dedicated consortia projects. The main fields within which blockchain technology is currently tested or already implemented are identified as: contracting and documentation flow (e.g. Bill of Lading), smart contracts, container/cargo track-and-trace, marine insurance, ship register system, bunker tracking system, crew certification system. The results of the paper have some managerial implications. They can help in making strategic decisions by sea shipping companies and maritime logistics operators to decide if it is worth to engage in such projects and choose the best option for themselves

The East-West Transport Corridor and the shuttle train 'VIKING'

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A Service-Oriented Approach for Network-Centric Data Integration and Its Application to Maritime Surveillance

Maritime-surveillance operators still demand for an integrated maritime picture better supporting international coordination for their operations, as looked for in the European area. In this area, many data-integration efforts have been interpreted in the past as the problem of designing, building and maintaining huge centralized repositories. Current research activities are instead leveraging service-oriented principles to achieve more flexible and network-centric solutions to systems and data integration. In this direction, this article reports on the design of a SOA platform, the Service and Application Integration (SAI) system, targeting novel approaches for legacy data and systems integration in the maritime surveillance domain. We have developed a proof-of-concept of the main system capabilities to assess feasibility of our approach and to evaluate how the SAI middleware architecture can fit application requirements for dynamic data search, aggregation and delivery in the distributed maritime domain

Cloud Computing for Efficient Data Storage and Processing in Maritime Logistics

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