Get started
Work

Digitalization of Bulk Cargo Transportation for Sustainable Port–City Development: Technologies, Governance, and Research Directions

Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Bulk cargo-dry commodities such as grain, coal, ores, and construction materials, plus liquid bulk such as petroleum products, liquefied gases, and chemicals-is central to urban material supply, yet remains comparatively under-digitalized relative to containerized logistics and is a persistent source of congestion, dust, noise, and emissions at the port-city interface.Dry and liquid bulk involve substantially different handling technologies, risks, and regulatory regimes and are therefore treated as distinct sub-segments rather than as a single homogeneous category.Based on an integrative review of peer-reviewed studies, industry analyses, and policy reports published or first made available online between January 2015 and April 2026, bulk-specific evidence is distinguished from findings derived from broader port and container logistics.Five interacting technology clusters are identified: Internet of Things (IoT) sensing and connectivity; Artificial Intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics; digital twins and simulation; blockchain-enabled documentation; and automation and autonomous systems.The functions and sustainability implications of these clusters are mapped across the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of port-city development.A four-layer conceptual framework-physical assets, data infrastructure, intelligence services, and governance-is proposed, together with testable propositions linking these layers to urban outcomes.Land-use conflict, freight-corridor planning, environmental zoning, and equity in the distribution of port-related environmental burdens are integrated directly into the framework.The trade-offs associated with digitalization-including energy use, cybersecurity exposure, labor transition, technological dependence and interoperability failures, digital exclusion of smaller operators, and rebound effects-are critically assessed.A stakeholder-differentiated roadmap and research agenda are also proposed to support future bulk-specific empirical validation.
DOI: 10.56578/judm050203
Language: English
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7204206358
FWCI:
Cites: 14
Cited by:
Related to: 10