The impact of implementing digital transformation requirements on the performance of ports in accordance with sustainable development requirements

Nabil Abdullah Bin Aifan, Mahmoud Al Sayed AlBawab, Alaa Mahmoud Morsi

Abstract


The maritime transport industry is crucial to global trade, handling approximately 90% of the trade movement, with container transport accounting for 35% of the total cargo volume and over 60% of its value. Seaports are vital for national economic growth, attracting foreign investment, injecting currency, and fostering competitive economic activities. The resilience of ports during crises has led nations to prioritize their development, focusing on new technologies, economic diversification, innovation systems, and global best practices. These efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), addressing current and future port needs, while promoting capacity building and regional growth.

The application of digital transformation in port development is becoming increasingly prevalent, with new ports being partially or fully digitalized. Advanced technologies are pushing the maritime industry beyond their traditional limits, offering new opportunities for enhanced productivity and efficiency. Consequently, port authorities are positioning themselves as digital service providers, with leading ports implementing customized solutions for long-term strategic planning, real-time monitoring, and disaster response.

This study is significant because it addresses the limitations in the performance and productivity of the Aden container terminal, particularly its lack of digital transformation and sustainable development. This study uses specialized reports, comparative analyses of successful regional ports, and surveys of Yemeni Port specialists to assess the current situation, propose actionable solutions, and develop improvement strategies.


Received: 13 May 2025

Accepted: 26 June 2025

Published: 11 September 2025


Keywords


Sustainable Development, Digital Transformation, Aden container terminal

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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/MRT.2025.04.2.1346

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Copyright (c) 2025 Nabil Abdullah Bin Aifan, Mahmoud Al Sayed AlBawab, Alaa Mahmoud Morsi

Maritime Research and Technology

E-ISSN: 2812-5622

P-ISSN: 2812-5614

 

Published by:

Academy Publishing Center (APC)

Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT)

Alexandria, Egypt

mrt@aast.edu