Bibliometric Analysis

With the consultation of publications carried out in Scopus until 2022, a bibliometric analysis was carried out using the Bibliometrix and Vosviewer tools, to identify the behavior of publications on Smart Ports in this database. This quantitative analysis covered aspects such as the volume of publications, types of documents and main countries, authors, areas, journals and research trends.

Regarding the volume of publications from the first study in Scopus in 2012 to the cut-off year of 2022, the concentration of activity in the last year stands out significantly, representing 28.71% of the total. This is followed by the year 2021 with a contribution of 24.88%, while the year 2020 presents 14.83%. Likewise, a contribution of 11.48% is observed in 2019. These percentages reflect the accumulated publications on smart ports over the last four years, totaling 79.9%. This data highlights the contemporaneity of the topic in the research community and its growing interest year after year, evidencing the dynamism and sustained relevance of this field of study. In a bibliometric analysis by areas, the following is identified; Engineering (21.3%), Computer Science (20.2%), Social Sciences (11.3%), Decision Sciences (8.1%) and Mathematics (7.7%). This is evidence that it is a multidisciplinary field and the importance of integrated approaches in the understanding and development of smart ports.

The analysis of the distribution of types of publications on smart ports reveals that Conference Papers and Articles are the two most predominant categories, representing a remarkable 47.37% and 42.11% respectively of the total number of publications. These results indicate a focus on the presentation of research and findings through conferences, as well as a marked presence of scientific articles in the academic literature on this topic. In terms of the origin of the publications, the contribution from China stands out, leading with 23.44% of the total number of documents. Spain and Italy also followed with 12.92% and 11.96%, respectively. It is followed in order by Germany, the United States, Greece and the United Kingdom, which share a similar contribution, each contributing around 6.70% to 5.74%. This panorama reflects the global relevance of the subject and the identification of the countries where the ports contemplating the new emerging technologies are located.

In terms of author contribution, the bibliometric analysis on smart ports highlights the top five contributors who lead in terms of percentage of publications. In first place, C.E. Palau (h-index 19) stands out with 7.61%, followed by S. Voß (h-index 46) with 6.52%, N. González-Cancelas (h-index 10) with 5.43%, L. Heilig (h-index 15) with 5.43%, and I. Lacalle (h-index 5) with 5.43%. Therefore, the percentage sum of the first five authors is approximately 30.42%. Their prominent presence suggests a significant impact on current research and points to potential opinion leaders in the scientific community who contribute substantially to the advancement of this emerging topic.

The publications presented as conference papers on intelligent ports offer an overview of recent advances, where the series "Lecture Notes in Computer Science" with 11 results stands out, evidencing the importance of conferences in computer science and artificial intelligence. The "ICTIS 2021" conference contributes with 5 results on transportation information and safety. "Proceedings of SPIE" and "IFIP Advances" share third place with 4 results each, highlighting conferences in optical engineering and information technologies. "IEEE Access" stands out with 3 results, highlighting its relevance in electrical and electronic engineering applied to smart ports. As for the publications of articles in indexed journals, a thematic and disciplinary diversity is revealed. The Journal of Physics Conference Series (h-index 91) tops the list with 7 results, highlighting its focus on physics applied to ports. Sustainability Switzerland (h-index 136, SJR Q1) follows closely with 6 results, underlining the importance of sustainability in the port context. The Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (h-index 39, SJR Q2) contributes 4 results, focusing on scientific and engineering aspects related to ports. Transport Policy (h-index 113, SJR Q1) and Maritime Policy and Management (h-index 67, SJR Q1) share third place with 3 results each, indicating the relevance of these journals in the discussion of policies and management in the field of maritime transport and ports.

Regarding the most prominent research trends in the field of smart ports according to the bibliometric analysis (keyword co-occurrence analysis), three main approaches stand out, reflecting the emphasis of the publications. First, port sustainability emerges as a crucial issue, addressing not only environmental considerations, but also energy efficiency and strategies for effective decision making in port resource management.

This approach not only responds to the demands of growing environmental awareness, but also recognizes the importance of optimizing resources and minimizing negative impacts. Secondly, there is a trend towards the articulation of ports in supply chain management. This approach involves the strategic integration of information management, risk assessment and management, as well as the optimization of container operations. This approach reflects the increasing interconnectedness of the different stages of the supply chain and the need for efficient and coordinated management to improve the agility and responsiveness of the entire system. Finally, the third key trend roots in the adoption of emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things, big data, artificial intelligence and port digitalization processes. This approach is the central emphasis of this article, as the usefulness and impact of these Industry 4.0 technologies in the transformation and optimization of smart ports will be explored in depth.

Technologies used in smart ports

The maritime industry is a major driver of economic growth and development, being the most widely used means of moving goods worldwide ¹. It plays a decisive role in aspects of cost, delivery times, reliability and environmental impact in operations ²⁰. Currently the internet of things revolutionizes and provides a solution to the challenges of operability in ports, which includes sensors and systems integrated to the internet, forming a structure and basis of a smart port ²¹. According to Kamolov and Park ²² the new merit of smart ships is focused on controlling data and having communication with port areas, this transition is made through the application of sensors and networks that together with big data, artificial intelligence, among others, represent the adoption of industry 4.0.

Furthermore, international trade is the central driver of all economic globalization ²³. Linked to this, the construction and/or retrofitting of automated port terminals is on the rise and the proposal for smart ports poses requirements for operations planning and improved systems integration capabilities ²⁴. It is highlighted that, the structures and scope of application of digital platforms support and help promote the sector of commercial operability and autonomous technology on ships ²⁵. Therefore, the exchange of information in real time is important to efficiently coordinate actors and container movements at terminals. ²⁶. However, ports must be understood and visualized as a wide network of actors ²⁷. In particular, the port industry has an impact on productivity, adding value to logistics activities ²⁸. These areas are in search of a fifth generation where studies to smart ports are thanks to this relationship of emerging technologies ²⁹.

On the other hand, Industry 4.0 in the current context generates development and innovation between ports and cities, transforming processes and making them more efficient, safe and sustainable ³⁰. Smart ports are capable of responding to current and future logistics challenges ³¹. It is highlighted that the strategic challenge in the ports of Hamburg and Rotterdam allows the articulation of technologies such as Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, among others, to obtain information flow and thus achieve that the processes improve their competitiveness and investment ¹⁶. However, when replacing traditional ports towards intelligent ones, it is considered that the application of these technologies in this field is not easy ³². The standardization of ICT services in future ports will be associated with shipping and maritime navigation, intermodal logistics, passenger transport and environmental sustainability ⁴. Efficiency is the key word in logistics, in turn, construction, infrastructure and integration allow for the smooth operation of port areas ⁶. Artificial intelligence drives the landscape of traditional port services in use today ³³. Likewise, ports are complex, dynamic and daily work environments, which is why through processes and computational models artificial intelligence leads to a reinforcement and highlights the importance of a large volume of data to determine and optimize processes that lead to the productivity of the sector ³⁴.

IoT enables monitoring and management of transportation equipment for cargo and warehousing, leading to the ports of the future involving sensors and data communication scenarios where interoperability occurs and suppliers interfere and prioritize timely deliveries ³⁵. According to ³⁶ there is a need to design a location-based smart port, especially because it optimizes time by recognizing precisely where container and mobile equipment can be found through real-time location systems. Similarly, it is recognized that IoT is gaining speed and maturity in achieving optimization and connectivity towards fluidity in port processes ³⁷.It is proposed that neither technology works in isolation, in the case of Blockchain with the increase in cargo volumes and the demand in the optimization of logistics processes ports must be more competitive; the relationship between the two technologies automates loading processes, data collection, time reduction, where the installation of sensors transmit everything to a system in real time ³⁸. These, when properly integrated, allow control and generate a positive impact on logistics operations and port management today ³⁹. Seaports are the nodes in the logistics sequence, where they are related to the integration, consolidation and digitization of logistics ⁴⁰; This is why Blockchain technology solves problems such as cargo issues, poor data management, however, implementing this technology requires financial demand for maintenance acquisition, so the combination of IoT and blockchain is viable for small ports that are in the process of achieving technological potential in their processes ⁴¹.

On the other hand, the collection of diverse information such as Big Data and geographic information systems enables real-time localization of goods ⁴² and the articulation of software that is of interest in the port-city relationship as a reliable scenario for carrying out foreign trade operations ⁷; highlighting breakthroughs in telecommunications resulting in smart services being provided throughout the supply chain ⁴³ as global shipping demand enables algorithm-based technologies to effectively manage the mobility of motor vessels ⁴⁴.

Similarly, Big Data allows the implementation of sensor networks that, together with the Internet of Things, form the data processing and storage infrastructure ⁴⁵. These data allow better decisions to be made in port planning operations ⁴⁶. In this way, this technology is applied to the construction of service models in the supply chain, establishing a mutual benefit through the coordination and flow of information ⁴⁷. It also highlights the Digital Twins technology where it allows to represent things in a real world, capable of predicting risks and integrating transportation and operation in supply chains related to smart ports ¹⁸. This diversifies the solution of different systems and operations in an integrated and intelligent network of the logistics chain ⁴⁸. Through 5G wireless networks, measurements are taken to optimize processes, in the case of sensor networks and intelligent controllers are very useful in ports, as they monitor the location and removal of containers from loading and unloading processes, such as the automation of machines such as cranes ⁴⁹. This technology is a multi-system support network that provides benefits to industries through its wide range of support for massively interconnected devices ⁵⁰.

Port issues face not only opportunities, but also problems and obstacles due to cyber-attacks that limit the growth of these important areas ⁵¹. Ports are key supports within the logistics value chain, which is why it is essential to assess and avoid IT disruptions in operations involving risks ⁵². Cyber-security is one of the biggest challenges in this industry, where container management and system hacking lead to hiding processes as fundamental as inspections ⁵³. Nowadays, different information technologies are involved that allow connectivity towards the new era of automation ⁵⁴, where the establishment of new digital security practices is required towards the continuous improvement of the ports of the future ⁵⁵.

Usefulness of emerging technologies in smart ports

Currently, the world's largest port terminals are generating strategies in line with the needs that arise daily in the logistics processes in order to perform adequate analysis in the supply chain and generate constant improvements and innovation in the development of port activities ⁶. It is important to note that the main use of emerging technologies is to ensure that information is distributed efficiently, as well as to manage existing cyber risks, reduce costs in the supply chain, minimize process times, reduce environmental effects and, above all, generate reliable tools that allow port work to be carried out quickly and efficiently ⁵².

It should be noted that the use of various emerging technologies has evolved in recent years, therefore the proportion of a high optimization of shipping processes, updating and control of navigation times, transport efficiency and lower costs of storage of goods makes the connection and communication between port areas more fluid and reliable ^52,56. Therefore, their immersion guarantees port progress based on quality services and maritime support that generates tactics to prevent delays, port congestion and reduction of waiting times for ship arrivals ^14,52,56.

Being more specific, ports are a fundamental base in the economy of the countries, therefore port terminals must maintain a high level of competitiveness ⁵⁷, in order to provide confidence and continuous evolution in the export and import processes, improve access channels and infrastructure through the introduction of technologies ⁶. Therefore, the connection between companies, cities and ports has ensured a wider and more flexible contact by virtue of the adaptation of technological pathways between them ⁵⁸. Consequently, the transformation of paper and digitized ports has acquired added value in terms of the advancement of technologies, which allows them to emerge in the global context, since it is no longer only a communication within the port but a constant link between ports, cities and terminals integrated in the supply chain in general ⁵⁹.

The appropriate use of technologies will allow for greater security in the supply chain processes, since the implementation of these technologies will prevent cyber-attacks that can spread and generate greater risks, so that they can be eradicated with the proper management of technological systems that have advanced over time ⁵². This has made it possible to eliminate manual errors in logistical processes, increase efficiency in data collection and ensure stability and faster transmission of information ⁵⁹. Another important feature in the implementation of technologies in smart ports is automation, this is an area of constant change, as it has been a process of innovation in technology, which makes logistics operators and ports to promote their competitiveness, evaluate the possibilities and advances that bring the incorporation of technological systems ⁶⁰. In addition, automation streamlines the management of activities by simplifying the processes of loading and unloading goods, reducing time, resources and the efficient development of tasks ^60,61.

Enabling the integration of connectivity systems with each other allows the distribution of data without interruptions and faster, driving processes of collection, processing, issuance, exchange and optimization of information traffic with more secure, transparent and reliable features ⁶²; Moreover, the transformation of data in real time requires digital platforms based on efficient technologies that enable the planning, delivery and execution of information movement solutions ⁶³. In particular, the development of data technologies has led to an ideal improvement in the capacity and performance of port terminals, in order to streamline processes and increase their competitiveness ⁶⁴.

On the other hand, it is important to know the variables that are part of the port procedures in order to be clear about what type of technological implementation should be used to solve uncertainties that arise with the development of logistics activities ⁶⁵. At the same time, to ensure that networks are formed that interact with each other and are not isolated, thus achieving an effective integration that can generate better results. ⁶⁶. At the same time, when developing any technology, risk management must be analyzed, since in these cases it is necessary to be very careful not to generate systems susceptible to attacks or hackers ⁶⁷; coordination of this is evidence of a reduction of dangers, adequate control and, above all, avoids consequences on the information platforms ⁶⁸. In addition, the integration of technologies allows increasing the security of goods movement and container storage by expanding the functionality, management and monitoring of containers ⁶⁹. Likewise, we seek to optimize the distribution of all types of cargo, whether general or bulk, by means of control systems ⁷⁰, without forgetting that these systems reduce costs and promote commercial opportunities ⁷¹; as well as to aim to use these benefits to close the existing gaps in the logistics processes ⁷².

Finally, it should be understood that as time goes by, aspects such as sustainability are emerging and with the integration of technologies and their proper use, the emission of environmentally aggressive components can be reduced ⁷³, In this case it applies not only to waste but also to noise pollution, since this is an important factor when working, as the reduction or eradication of loud sounds can generate a more pleasant and effective environment for the performance of port work, for example, the application of maturity models can promote sustainable development, optimization of information and ensure safer activities ¹³.

Importance of sustainability in smart ports

Technological advances in ports have been on the rise in recent years, as has the increasing search for sustainability and environmental care, therefore, talking about management models aimed at smart and sustainable ports is essential nowadays, where it is necessary an articulation between local actors, which have functions oriented to improvement processes in port activities with common objectives ⁷⁴.

With the above and with the implementation of technologies, not only will a greater optimization of port operations be achieved, but also a decrease in the emissions produced by these places will be generated ⁷⁵. Therefore, to speak of smart ports is to speak of sustainable ports, which will allow to increase the speed of goods transfer, access to ship tracking, increase the transparency of statistics, increase the quality and capacity of ports and reduce costs, all of this being possible from an ecological context ⁷⁶, Although few studies have analyzed port terminals from a sustainable perspective, it can be assured that the implementation of both axes will make maritime operations more fluid ⁷⁷. For this reason, smart or high- performance ports are implementing these technologies to achieve a more optimal and efficient management of their activities, adding that they will have safer facilities and, of course, mitigate environmental impacts ¹¹. By inserting these technologies in ports, safety, ecology and a higher quality of service will be promoted, all of this in order to improve the use of energy and logistics operations ⁷⁸.

However, it is not only about the benefits that ports will have, but also for the regions and countries that host port ecosystems as these communities are the ones that are directly affected by pollution. As mentioned above, an option for this situation could be the use of micronetworks in ports, which bring with them a substantial improvement in three areas: operations, environment and energy, which have become essential axes in port processes ⁷⁹. For this reason, proposing a framework for analyzing and evaluating sustainability initiatives for terminal operations in the maritime sector is something that ports need to develop today ⁸⁰.

Now, a very important axis that smart and green ports must take into account is energy emissions, since lighting exceeds 70% of the energy demand of a port in most cases ⁸¹, as an option to this problem, renewable energy generators and energy storage devices installed on board ships will achieve a transformation in the port context, since, by acquiring a greater implementation of renewable energies, the storage network will be expanded, and not only this, one could even speak of a reduction in monetary costs for boat owners and port administrators ⁸². Likewise, generating a database with port variables, classified into economic, social, environmental and institutional variables, would achieve not only greater fluidity in the port but also a better evaluation of the progress made in terms of both automation and sustainability ⁸³. Continuing with the line of renewable energy and micronetworks, it is known that the application of renewable energy sources for power distribution systems is growing, this advance brings several advantages such as sustainability, energy reliability, cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy sources.

Such application in maritime systems such as port micronetworks significantly improves energy efficiency and reduces the use of fossil fuels, which is a serious threat to the environment ², as another option is the use of energy optimization algorithms based on dynamic programming, which can not only realize the control of the temperature of containers within the appropriate range, reduce the contact between workers and frozen products in the process of cold chain operation, ensure the reduction of energy demand during the period of high system load and solve the problem of optimizing the operation with the energy uncertainty of the port to minimize costs ⁸⁴.

Another point to consider is motorboats, when talking about vessels in the context of sustainability, it is worth mentioning cold ironing, which is the procedure for supplying electric power ashore to a vessel docked with its engines off, this emerges as an environmentally friendly option, with the objective of providing energy in an ecological way to the vessels while they are docked at the port, in order to avoid or mitigate the high emissions of greenhouse gases ⁸⁵, it is important to keep this in mind as it is estimated that the international shipping industry is responsible for up to 5% of global carbon emissions, that share could be 25% by 2050. In fact, some studies indicate that as of 2020, the main source of atmospheric emissions of certain pollutants will be attributed to the shipping sector, thus surpassing land-based sources ⁸⁶. Ports are among the main actors polluting the atmosphere, therefore, in order to talk about a smart and sustainable port, it is essential to talk about the treatment of dust pollution, air pollution and wastewater, by implementing an intelligent ecological control system that integrates environmental protection functions could achieve a continuous improvement of decisions towards the sustainability of the port ⁸⁷. In addition, the contribution of smart ports to the reduction of atmospheric emissions allows for greater operational efficiency and a vast contribution to environmental care ⁸⁸. Addressing sustainability involves analyzing the strategic advantages it brings, For this reason, we recommend the design of a conceptual model of an information system based on indicators to determine the status or degree of sustainability in the critical operational activities of port terminals, and thus indicate how far they have progressed towards becoming an ecological or green port ⁸⁹, such advances can enable smart ports to generate local, national and global benefits by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, creating efficient supply chains and safer working environments ⁹⁰.

As a result, the transport of goods is increasing all the time. In fact, maritime logistics plays a fundamental role in the world economy, since more than 80% of freight traffic is transported by sea ⁹¹. For this reason, it is necessary to talk about concepts such as the globalization of containers, since they lead to a high demand for electricity in the terminals, which is very dynamic and depends on the different operating processes ⁹²; This is subject to high energy requirements and a considerable proportion of emissions, while also driving awareness of a cleaner environment, for this reason, it is essential that ports adopt regulations and responsibilities aimed at the implementation of green ports ⁹³, in order to improve not only their port activities, but also to exploit the usefulness of technologies both in their operations and in the care of the environment.

Studies and empirical cases in smart ports

Based on the above, technology use is essential for smart ports to optimize their supply chain processes and information management, so that they can achieve an effective interconnection of data and technologies. Therefore, aspects of the usefulness of smart port technologies around the world are mentioned below.

Technologies in the contemporary context are constantly changing the maritime industry in significant ways, transforming the way ports operate in the international transportation system. Subsequently, to designate a port as "smart" it is necessary to be very competitive in the market and with the help of globalization to improve its productivity ⁹⁴. Initially, it is emphasized that the ports of Shanghai, Rotterdam and Hamburg highlight transportation planning and this allows to achieve a coordinated development of all types of cargo movements in conjunction with urban planning activities, as well as a reasonable choice of the most effective measures for the development of the haulage system; the above, in order to improve automation through the use of Artificial Intelligence in processes involving logistics operations and cargo loading ⁶. In fact, in the port of Chile, a data warehouse system is proposed, with an information gathering center and a multidimensional database, which can be implemented in the analytical processing mode taking advantage of the good features that allow determining the status or degree of sustainability in critical operational activities in the port; this is based on the ports of Vancouver and Los Angeles, which have launched the sustainable activity ⁹⁵.

To talk about Europe, there is the port of Salerno in Italy, where the dynamics of seaports and the creation of competitive port supply chains are understood, through the concept of intelligent service system, highlighting technology in its activities, which will make the relationship between the actors inside and outside the port more closely and efficiently connected ²⁷, where ports are recommended to address the obstacles to promote innovation of port services, overcome the adverse effects of internal and external components, and achieve computerization, automation and intelligent development, in order to obtain added value in the international port chain ⁹⁶.

Likewise, in the port of Huanghua, China, is one of the largest coal transportation ports in the country, where good management of sustainable practices driven by smart technologies is identified and in essence, the use of the Internet of Things improves competitiveness at operational, energy and environmental levels ⁹⁷. Likewise, the port of Ravenna (Italy) has implemented a management strategy for smart ports that supports innovation processes in the sustainable and safe management of the port, combining environmental protection and the development of the port and logistics system ⁹⁸. Similarly, for the case of the port of Tangier Med, Morocco, it is mentioned that the digital transformation in correlation with flow planning and its impact on the improvement of international trade to address the case of container terminals, identifies the processes and necessary elements; as well as the difficulties of port terminals ⁹⁹. Therefore, it is said that logistics control can increase quality by taking advantage of information technologies; moreover, effective planning can be achieved according to the main strategic aspect of each particular port ^6,97.

Likewise, it should be noted that the port of Guadalupe is located in the Caribbean Sea and will become an important logistic center in the region as a result of the expansion of the Panama Canal, which is why it seeks to integrate itself to the fast port logistics; and thanks to the implementation of intelligent technologies, it has demonstrated a development in the field of maritime transportation in the Caribbean. In contrast, it is a threat to other territories in this area and could impact jobs in the shipping industry in the English-speaking sector and affect the standard of living of people in the region ¹⁰⁰.

On the other hand, it is important to highlight the importance and influence of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on international trade, mainly on maritime transport and the logistics chain. In Hong Kong, first and foremost, it was analyzed that the consumption and movement of goods have had an effect on world trade due to the pandemic and above all had consequences on the logistics sector network, where the difficulty of contracts of transport, organization and return of containers, combined with the traditional problems of the port and shipping industry, increased, generating a worldwide crisis and a slowdown of normality in the entire supply chain ¹⁰¹.

However, Wuhan is evaluating the proposal to promote the construction of a smart port, optimizing the inland port system, developing the multimodal transportation business of Wuhan International Port, with the implementation of technologies that can comprehensively improve the efficiency of port operations, and realize the modernization of port infrastructure and equipment, intelligent automation of port production and operation that will bring numerous benefits to international trade operations ^98,102. However, smart ports must have facilities with sufficient capacity to load and/or unload export and import goods in a timely manner as required by the customer for maximum throughput ^103,104. With this, an effective intelligent approach must be implemented to support and ensure its validity, so that a port has public relations, innovation, human capital, investment, trade and governance that enhance the competitiveness of the national economy ^17,96.

In general, smart ports focus on building a smart logistics platform and a smart port development zone that will trigger the development of digital construction in order to generate the integration of technical digitization tools to achieve greater reliability and reduce the risk of failures spreading to the connection box ¹⁰². For this reason, a number of protection functions must be implemented to support each Smart Port and its associated instrument ^17,96.