Chapter 1 - Integration of the maritime supply chain: Evolving from collaboration process to maritime supply chain network

Abstract

The main theme of the book focuses on the integration of the maritime supply chain. This book provides an analysis of the most-frequently encountered problems in maritime supply chains hampering the move toward network. It furthermore provides solutions for handling those problems. Those are of interest to scientists, as the chapters are at the forefront of methodological developments in their respective fields. Also, the chapters are of immediate relevance to business practitioners at the managerial level and policy makers, as they provide answers to key operational issues. Finally, the book is useful for any supply chain course all over the world. Students, minimally at the master's level or higher, can take useful lessons from the book. The book tackles problems and challenges throughout maritime supply chains. The parts of the book are also built up in that way. The first part deals with the maritime section. Those chapters are of interest to shipping companies, market analysts, and shipbuilders, but indirectly also to port authorities and terminal operators. The second part deals with the port. Again, market analysts can draw useful insights from the provided chapters, just like port authorities and terminal operators. Indirectly, also shipping companies, as customers of the port, can benefit. The third part touches upon the hinterland. Land transport (road, rail, and inland waterway) operators can directly profit from the findings of the research carried out. But due to the increased involvement from other chain players (shipping companies, (inland) terminals, shippers) in land haulage, also those can enjoy useful lessons and recommendations. The final part consists of a transversal chain analysis. Here, the focus is on digital innovation gradually changing the maritime chain.