A Strategic Pathway to Green Digital Shipping

Mohsen Khabir, Gholam Reza Emad (), Mehrangiz Shahbakhsh and Maxim A. Dulebenets
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Mohsen Khabir: Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Gholam Reza Emad: C-HELM Research Centre, Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
Mehrangiz Shahbakhsh: Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania, Launceston, TAS 7250, Australia
Maxim A. Dulebenets: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Florida A&M University-Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32310, USA

Logistics, 2025, vol. 9, issue 2, 1-33

Abstract: Background: The maritime industry is undergoing a profound transformation to meet global decarbonization goals. As Industry 4.0 advanced digital technologies are increasingly integrated into shipping operations, the role of the human element is evolving significantly. This intersection of decarbonization, digitalization, and human element/workforce transformation lays the foundation for more structured initiatives such as Green Digital Shipping Corridors (GDSCs), a strategic solution to scale zero-emission, smart maritime routes. Methods : This paper explores the interconnected roles of decarbonization, digitalization, and human capital development through a systematic literature review. It examines how these pillars converge in the implementation of GDSCs, drawing on academic and industry sources to identify challenges and opportunities in workforce readiness, policy integration, and technological adoption. Results : The findings underscore the necessity of coordinated action across the three pillars, particularly highlighting the importance of structured training programs, cross-sector collaboration, and standardized regulations. GDSCs are presented as an applied framework to align these transitions, enabling scalable, digitally enabled, low-emission maritime routes. Conclusions : There is a significant gap in current research that holistically connects the human factor with technological and environmental imperatives in the context of maritime transformation. This paper addresses that gap by introducing GDSCs as a strategic outcome of integrated change, providing actionable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and educators aiming to advance sustainable shipping.

Keywords: decarbonization; digitalization; autonomous shipping; maritime education and training; alternative fuels; workforce transformation; human element (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: 2025
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