Digital technologies and business opportunities for logistics centres in maritime supply chains

The study investigates how the adoption of emerging digital technologies can provide valuable business opportunities for logistics centres in maritime supply chains. For this purpose, a systematic literature review (SLR) of prior academic studies addressing this topic is performed. The review unveils the current lack of a comprehensive framework to assess the impact of digital technologies on transport and maritime logistics, bringing insights for a promising research agenda. The paper proposes an ad-hoc conceptual framework for disentangling relevant business opportunities which originates from the adoption of cutting-edge digital technologies for each type of logistics centres. The main business benefits for logistics infrastructures which manage cargo flows in maritime supply chains (MSCs) are identified and discussed. The results suggest alternative strategic options for innovating logistics chains and increase the competitiveness of various cargo logistics centres. Managerial and marketing implications for both academics and practitioners are discussed in-depth. © 2020 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.