Smart, Green, and Sustainable: Unveiling Technological Trajectories in Maritime Port Operations

Abstract

The technological advancements in port operations over the last decade have enabled the incorporation of significant elements into the supply chain, contributing to the progress of Industry 4.0. Through Big Data, the Internet of Things, and Artificial Intelligence, strides have been made in technical, operational, and procedural management for maritime ports. The literature on this subject is diverse and spans various areas of focus. This study aims to outline the principal trajectories of digital maritime transport by applying scientometrics and the ToS metaphor. Employing an exploratory methodology, a scientometric mapping was conducted based on Scopus and WoS, analyzing the most relevant scientific production by authors, countries, journals, and affiliations. Three trends are presented: Smart Ports: A Technological Necessity for the 21st Century; Greening the Digital Harbor; and Sustainable Port Management. The study concludes that the dynamics of scientific production have seen significant growth in the influence of Industry 4.0 in the maritime field, and it also evidences the applicability of technological innovations in the port sector.