Transforming E-Commerce Logistics: Sustainable Practices through Autonomous Maritime and Last-Mile Transportation Solutions

Nistor Andrei (), Cezar Scarlat and Alexandra Ioanid
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Nistor Andrei: Doctoral School of Entrepreneurship, Business Engineering & Management, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 313, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Cezar Scarlat: Doctoral School of Entrepreneurship, Business Engineering & Management, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 313, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Alexandra Ioanid: Doctoral School of Entrepreneurship, Business Engineering & Management, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 313, 060042 Bucharest, Romania

Logistics, 2024, vol. 8, issue 3, 1-21

Abstract: The logistics landscape in e-commerce is undergoing a profound transformation toward sustainability and autonomy. This paper explores the implementation of autonomous maritime and last-mile transportation solutions to optimize the entire logistics chain from factory to customer. Building on the lessons learned from the maritime industry’s digital transformation, the study identifies key features and proposes a forward-looking autonomous maritime and last-mile transportation system. Emphasizing the role of geospatial technologies, the proposed system employs GIS-based electronic route optimization for efficient goods delivery, integrating onboard and ashore GIS-based sensors for enhanced location precision. A case study was built to analyze the implementation of autonomous means of transport along the route of a product from factory to customer. The integration of autonomous systems shows substantial improvements in logistics performance. Synchromodal logistics and smart steaming techniques can be utilized to optimize transportation routes, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and emissions. The findings reveal that autonomous maritime and last-mile transport systems can significantly enhance the efficiency, flexibility and sustainability of e-commerce logistics. The study emphasizes the need for advanced technological integration and provides a comprehensive framework for future research and practical applications in the logistics industry.

Keywords: e-commerce logistics; autonomous maritime transportation; GIS-based sensors; artificial intelligence controlled systems; vessel traffic system; last-mile transportation; maritime route optimization; supply chain flexibility; sustainable practices (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L8 L80 L81 L86 L87 L9 L90 L91 L92 L93 L98 L99 M1 M10 M11 M16 M19 R4 R40 R41 R49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:8:y:2024:i:3:p:71-:d:1435307

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