PurposeAsia is one of the most important economic regions of the world. The Kra Canal is considered as a potential maritime transportation node in global trade. Indeed, for centuries, a canal across the Kra isthmus in Thailand has been proposed as holding significant economic and logistical benefits through goods transfer and exchange, yet it remains unconstructed. Common tools in feasibility studies are PESTELE and SWOT analyses, which incorporate cost-benefit and value analyses. The purpose of this paper is to assess the feasibility of the Kra Canal using approaches to complement existing studies.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, we combine quantitative and qualitative methodologies to holistically assess the feasibility of the Kra Canal. Quantitatively, we consider the economic feasibility of the canal using Net Present Value to evaluate its potential financial benefits. Qualitatively, we then present expert perspectives gathered from in-depth interviews with field experts (n = 20) to identify key aspects of complexity related to the economic, political and overall feasibility of the canal.FindingsWe discuss the possibility of the canal’s construction and describe possible future impacts the canal could have on the region geopolitically, for example, in its role in China’s One Belt One Road initiative and also in how Singapore and Tanjung Pelapas in Malaysia might react. Ultimately, we find significant complexities with the Kra Canal project, ones which anyone contemplating its construction would, we argue, be wise to consider.Originality/valueThis paper combined qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the economic, political and overall feasibility of the Kra Canal. The methodologies and findings supplement past relevant studies and help evaluate the economic, political and overall feasibility of the Kra Canal’s investment project. This is particularly timely considering its potential ability as a route given recent geopolitical events and, for example, as part of China’s Belt and Road initiative and its ability to reduce carbon and sulphur emissions.

Purpose This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of electric tugboat deployment in maritime transportation, including an in-depth assessment of its advantages and disadvantages. Along with the identification of advantages and disadvantages of electric tugboat deployment, the present research also aims to provide managerial insights into the economic viability of different tugboat alternatives that can guide future investments in the following years.Design/methodology/approach A detailed literature review was conducted, aiming to gain broad insights into tugboat operations and focusing on different aspects, including tugboat accidents and safety issues, scheduling and berthing of tugboats, life cycle assessment of diesel tugboats and their alternatives, operations of electric and hybrid tugboats, environmental impacts and others. Moreover, a set of interviews was conducted with the leading experts in the electric tugboat industry, including DAMEN Shipyards and the Port of Auckland. Econometric analyses were performed as well to evaluate the financial viability and economic performance of electric tugboats and their alternatives (i.e. conventional tugboats and hybrid tugboats).Findings The advantages of electric tugboats encompass decreased emissions, reduced operating expenses, improved energy efficiency, lower noise levels and potential for digital transformation through automation and data analytics. However, high initial costs, infrastructure limitations, training requirements and restricted range need to be addressed. The electric tugboat alternative seems to be the best option for scenarios with low interest rate values as increasing interest values negatively impact the salvage value of electric tugboats. It is expected that for long-term planning, the electric and hybrid tugboat alternatives will become preferential since they have lower annual costs than conventional diesel tugboats.Practical implications The outcomes of this research provide managerial insights into the practical deployment of electric tugboats and point to future research needs, including battery improvements, cost reduction, infrastructure development, legislative and regulatory changes and alternative energy sources. The advancement of battery technology has the potential to significantly impact the cost dynamics associated with electric tugboats. It is essential to do further research to monitor the advancements in battery technology and analyze their corresponding financial ramifications. It is essential to closely monitor the industry’s shift toward electric tugboats as their prices become more affordable.Originality/value The maritime industry is rapidly transforming and facing pressing challenges related to sustainability and digitization. Electric tugboats represent a promising and innovative solution that could address some of these challenges through zero-emission operations, enhanced energy efficiency and integration of digital technologies. Considering the potential of electric tugboats, the present study provides a comprehensive review of the advantages and disadvantages of electric tugboats in maritime transportation, extensive evaluation of the relevant literature, interviews with industry experts and supporting econometric analyses. The outcomes of this research will benefit governmental agencies, policymakers and other relevant maritime transportation stakeholders.

PurposeTo achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the era of Logistics 4.0, machine learning (ML) techniques and simulations have emerged as highly optimized tools. This study examines the operational dynamics of a supply chain (SC) in Vietnam as a case study utilizing an ML simulation approach.Design/methodology/approachA robust fuel consumption estimation model is constructed by leveraging multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN). Subsequently, the proposed model is seamlessly integrated into a cutting-edge SC simulation framework.FindingsThis paper provides valuable insights and actionable recommendations, empowering SC practitioners to optimize operational efficiencies and fostering an avenue for further scholarly investigations and advancements in this field.Originality/valueThis study introduces a novel approach assessing sustainable SC performance by utilizing both traditional regression and ML models to estimate transportation costs, which are then inputted into the discrete event simulation (DES) model.

PurposeThis paper summarizes and synthesizes existing research while critically assessing findings for future studies to advance the scholarship of maritime logistics and digital transformation with big data.Design/methodology/approachA bibliometric analysis was conducted on 159 journal articles from the Scopus database with search keywords “maritime*” and “big data.” This analysis helps identify research gaps by identifying themes via keyword co-occurrence, co-citation and bibliographic coupling analysis. The Theory-Context-Characteristics-Methodology (TCCM) framework was applied to understand the findings of bibliometric analysis and provide a research agenda.FindingsThe analyses identified emerging themes of the scholarship of maritime logistics and digital transformation with big data and their relationships to identify research clusters. Future research directions were provided by examining existing research's theory, context, characteristics and method.Originality/valueThis research is grounded in bibliometric analysis and the TCCM framework to understand the scholarly evolution, giving managers and academics retrospective and prospective insights.

PurposeThis paper reviews and analyses renewable energy options, namely underground thermal, solar, wind and marine wave energy, in seaport cargo terminal operations.Design/methodology/approachFour renewable energy options that are deployed or tested in different ports around the world are qualitatively examined for their overall implementation potential and characteristics, and their cost and benefits. An application to the port of Singapore is discussed.FindingsGeophysical conditions are key criteria in assessing renewable energy options. In the case of Singapore, solar power is the only suitable renewable energy option.Research limitations/implicationsBeing a capital-intensive establishment with high intensities of cargo operations, seaports usually involve a high level of energy consumption. The study of renewable energy options contributes to seaport sustainability.Practical implicationsA key recommendation is to implement a smart energy management system that enables the mixed use of renewable energy to match energy demand and supply optimally and achieve higher energy efficiency.Originality/valueThe use of renewable energy as an eco-friendlier energy source is underway in various ports. However, there is almost no literature that analyses and compares various renewable energy options potentially suitable for cargo terminal operations in ports. This paper narrows the knowledge gaps.