Sustainable Digitalisation in Maritime Logistics: Law, Technology, and Global Trade

Assignment Brief — Assessment 2: Maritime Logistics and Legal Frameworks

Module Title: Maritime Logistics and Commercial Law
Module Code: MLOG6023
Level: 6 (Undergraduate)
Weighting: 50%
Submission Deadline: Week 10, Semester 2
Word Count: 2,500 words (+/-10%)
Submission Format: Individual Written Report (Turnitin)

Assessment Task

You are required to prepare a critical analytical report exploring the integration of sustainability, digitalisation, and legal compliance in contemporary maritime logistics operations.

Your report should:

1. Examine how digital technologies (e.g., blockchain, AI, IoT) are transforming logistics and supply chain transparency in maritime trade.

2. Evaluate the legal and regulatory frameworks (e.g., IMO, MARPOL, SOLAS) governing these digital transitions.

3. Assess how sustainability imperatives (e.g., decarbonisation, ESG compliance) are influencing port and shipping operations.

4. Critically analyse one real-world case study (e.g., Maersk, Port of Rotterdam, or Port of Singapore) demonstrating these dynamics.

5. Propose actionable recommendations for enhancing maritime supply chain resilience through legal and technological innovation.

Learning Outcomes Assessed

By completing this assessment, students will be able to:

• LO1: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of maritime logistics systems and their regulatory context.

• LO2: Critically evaluate the influence of international maritime law on operational efficiency and sustainability.

• LO3: Apply digital transformation principles within maritime logistics frameworks.

• LO4: Develop coherent, evidence-based recommendations reflecting industry best practice.

Assessment Criteria

Guidance

• Reference all sources using Harvard referencing style.

• Include at least eight (8) academic or industry sources published between 2019–2025.

• Visual aids (figures, charts, or tables) are encouraged to support arguments.

• Avoid overreliance on company websites or non-academic blogs.

References

1. Notteboom, T., Pallis, T. and Rodrigue, J-P. (2022). Port economics, management and policy: The digitalisation and decarbonisation challenge. Maritime Economics & Logistics, 24(3), pp. 305–322. [https://doi.org/10.1057/s41278-022-00203-8]

2. Gong, X., Haralambides, H. and Zhang, W. (2021). Digitalisation and port logistics efficiency: An empirical analysis. Transport Policy, 107, pp. 168–181. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranpol.2021.04.012]

3. Psaraftis, H. N. (2023). Decarbonization in shipping: Policy instruments, challenges, and opportunities. Maritime Policy & Management, 50(4), pp. 537–553. [https://doi.org/10.1080/03088839.2023.2177824]

4. Panayides, P. and Song, D-W. (2020). Maritime logistics and the law: A systems perspective. International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics, 12(2), pp. 135–150. [https://doi.org/10.1504/IJSTL.2020.105431]

5. Poulsen, R. T. and Johnson, H. (2019). The logic of business vs. the logic of decarbonisation in shipping. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 72, pp. 16–28. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2019.04.017]