Research Article

Assessment of Port Digitalization: Revealing the Current Research Trends and Technologies

Volume: 12 Number: 1 March 1, 2026
EN TR

Assessment of Port Digitalization: Revealing the Current Research Trends and Technologies

Abstract

This study aims to examine digitalization processes in port operations, identify current research trends and technologies, and provide recommendations for future studies aligned with these developments. To achieve these objectives, a comprehensive literature review was conducted. Initially, a detailed analysis of existing studies was performed, including the creation of keyword and country heat maps. Subsequently, the literature was examined using VOSviewer software. Bibliographic coupling analysis showed that the studies fell into four main clusters. The findings indicate that port digitalization is playing a significant role in transforming the sector. Despite a substantial body of research, several areas remain underexplored and open to further development. Key topics identified for future investigation include cost-benefit analyses of digitalization and the adaptation of operational processes to digital technologies.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

No committee permissions are required for this study.

References

  1. Abaei, M. M., Hekkenberg, R., BahooToroody, A., Banda, O. V., van Gelder, P. (2022). A probabilistic model to evaluate the resilience of unattended machinery plants in autonomous ships. Reliability Engineering & System Safety, 219: 108176. doi: 10.1016/j.ress.2021.108176
  2. Agarwala, P., Chhabra, S., Agarwala, N. (2021). Using digitalisation to achieve decarbonisation in the shipping industry. Journal of International Maritime Safety, Environmental Affairs, and Shipping, 5(4): 161-174. doi: 10.1080/25725084.2021.2009420
  3. Alop, A. (2019). The main challenges and barriers to the successful “smart shipping.” TransNav: International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation, 13(3).
  4. Balcı, G. (2021). Digitalization in Container Shipping Services: Critical Resources for Competitive Advantage. Journal of ETA Maritime Science, 9(1).
  5. Bali, S., Thangalakshmi, S., Balaji, R. (2022). Renewable Energy Options for Seaports. OCEANS 2022 - Chennai, 1-6. doi: 10.1109/OCEANSChennai45887.2022.9775323
  6. Belmoukari, B., Audy, J. F., Forget, P. (2023). Smart port: a systematic literature review. European Transport Research Review, 15(1): 4. doi: 10.1186/s12544-023-00581-6
  7. Beškovnik, B., Zanne, M., Golnar, M. (2022). Dynamic Changes in Port Logistics Caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic. In Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 10(10). doi: 10.3390/jmse10101473.
  8. Brunila, O. P., Kunnaala-Hyrkki, V., Inkinen, T. (2021). Hindrances in port digitalization? Identifying problems in adoption and implementation. European Transport Research Review, 13(1): 62. doi: 10.1186/s12544-021-00523-0

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Maritime Business Administration

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

November 26, 2025

Publication Date

March 1, 2026

Submission Date

September 11, 2025

Acceptance Date

October 30, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 12 Number: 1

APA
Mollaoğlu, M., Demirel, H., & Gül, M. (2026). Assessment of Port Digitalization: Revealing the Current Research Trends and Technologies. Turkish Journal of Maritime and Marine Sciences, 12(1), 89-104. https://doi.org/10.52998/trjmms.1781831
AMA
1.Mollaoğlu M, Demirel H, Gül M. Assessment of Port Digitalization: Revealing the Current Research Trends and Technologies. TRJMMS. 2026;12(1):89-104. doi:10.52998/trjmms.1781831
Chicago
Mollaoğlu, Mahmut, Hakan Demirel, and Muhammet Gül. 2026. “Assessment of Port Digitalization: Revealing the Current Research Trends and Technologies”. Turkish Journal of Maritime and Marine Sciences 12 (1): 89-104. https://doi.org/10.52998/trjmms.1781831.
EndNote
Mollaoğlu M, Demirel H, Gül M (March 1, 2026) Assessment of Port Digitalization: Revealing the Current Research Trends and Technologies. Turkish Journal of Maritime and Marine Sciences 12 1 89–104.
IEEE
[1]M. Mollaoğlu, H. Demirel, and M. Gül, “Assessment of Port Digitalization: Revealing the Current Research Trends and Technologies”, TRJMMS, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 89–104, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.52998/trjmms.1781831.
ISNAD
Mollaoğlu, Mahmut - Demirel, Hakan - Gül, Muhammet. “Assessment of Port Digitalization: Revealing the Current Research Trends and Technologies”. Turkish Journal of Maritime and Marine Sciences 12/1 (March 1, 2026): 89-104. https://doi.org/10.52998/trjmms.1781831.
JAMA
1.Mollaoğlu M, Demirel H, Gül M. Assessment of Port Digitalization: Revealing the Current Research Trends and Technologies. TRJMMS. 2026;12:89–104.
MLA
Mollaoğlu, Mahmut, et al. “Assessment of Port Digitalization: Revealing the Current Research Trends and Technologies”. Turkish Journal of Maritime and Marine Sciences, vol. 12, no. 1, Mar. 2026, pp. 89-104, doi:10.52998/trjmms.1781831.
Vancouver
1.Mahmut Mollaoğlu, Hakan Demirel, Muhammet Gül. Assessment of Port Digitalization: Revealing the Current Research Trends and Technologies. TRJMMS. 2026 Mar. 1;12(1):89-104. doi:10.52998/trjmms.1781831

Creative Commons Lisansı

This Journal is licensed with Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Licence (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).