Introduction
Technological integration has revolutionized transportation management activities. The use of technologically enabled systems for planning, executing, and optimizing the physical movement of goods has made it easier for logistics companies to track and deliver goods in good conditions. Maritime transportation involves the use of waterways to move people and goods from one place to another. Although the mode of transportation is effective for bulk goods, it is slower than the use of airways. Management of water transportation has been enhanced by the use of complex navigation systems. Integrating technology in maritime transportation management has led to more effective operations within the industry.
Maritime Industry
The maritime industry involves all human activities that take place overseas and in other water bodies. The industry involves waterborne-commercial activities such as navigation, shipping, and marine engineering (Cheliotis et al., 2021). The industry plays a significant role in the global economy since about 71% of the earth’s surface is covered by water (Khilchevskyi & Karamushka, 2021). Since air transportation is limited to the bulkiness of goods, the waterways are crucial for the movement of bulk products such as crude oil, motor vehicles, and heavy metals, among others. Maritime transportation is cheaper than the air and road modes, making it the most preferred method (Ramalho & Santos, 2021). Effective management activities are crucial since water transportation is risky and complex.
Maritime Transport Management
Managing ports and shipping activities is a multifaceted task, requiring effective and continuous communication. The managing activities include tracking the shipment, updating the number and amount of goods-in-transit, allocating shipment activities to various employees, and ensuring that sea hazards such as a hurricane can be avoided (Cheliotis et al., 2021). Due to the maritime transportation complexity and the possibility of natural disasters along the seaways, technology has intervened to ease management activities. Many shipment companies have integrated technological systems that help in planning and allocating various navigation tasks.
Technology Integration in Maritime Transportation
Maritime transportation involves various stakeholders who must be satisfied with the services offered. Technology has been adopted in the maritime industry for various purposes. Firstly, the use of e-commerce platforms allows shipping companies to advertise their services to potential clients. Moreover, the platforms enable the client to track their goods in transit. Secondly, maritime companies use technology to enhance the security of the goods being transported (Agarwala, 2021). The presence of pirates can be detrimental to the safety of items transported by water. However, the alarming systems alert relevant authorities in case of an attack during shipment.
Thirdly, navigation software helps shipment companies explore the conditions of the seas before shipment. For instance, analytical programs determine the presence of natural hazards such as heavy water waves and storms that can lead to accidents (Tijan et al., 2021). Lastly, many shipping companies have integrated management software for allocating various roles, estimating shipment costs, and enlisting all the goods loaded and unloaded from the ships (Ramalho & Santos, 2021). The use of technology in the maritime industry has enhanced the safety of goods and effective management activities.
Conclusion
The maritime industry involves the use of seas and other waterways for commercial activities. Water transportation is readily available since water covers the largest surface of the earth. However, water transportation mode is risky and slow due to the presence of natural hazards such as a hurricane. Integration of technology has made water transportation safe and easily manageable. Shipping companies should take advantage of technological developments to enhance their services and operations.
References
Agarwala, N. (2021). Role of policy framework for disruptive technologies in the maritime domain. Australian Journal of Maritime & Ocean Affairs, 1–20.
Cheliotis, M., Boulougouris, E., Trivyza, N. L., Theotokatos, G., Livanos, G., Mantalos, G., Stubos, A., Stamatakis, E., & Venetsanos, A. (2021). Review on the safe use of ammonia fuel cells in the maritime industry. Energies, 14(11), 3023.
Khilchevskyi, V., & Karamushka, V. (2021). Global water resources: Distribution and demand. In: Leal Filho, W., Azul, A.M., Brandli, L., Lange Salvia, A., Wall, T. (eds) Clean Water and Sanitation.
Ramalho, M. M., & Santos, T. A. (2021). The impact of the internalization of external costs in the competitiveness of short sea shipping. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 9(9), 959.
Tijan, E., Jović, M., Aksentijević, S., & Pucihar, A. (2021). Digital transformation in the maritime transport sector. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 170, 120879.