INTEGRATION OF MARITIME TRANSPORTATION TO SUPPLY CHAINS: A LITERATURE REVIEW AND SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH

The vivid increase in the world population pushes companies to attain for resources in a less expensive and rapid manner, which, in turn, increases the importance of maritime transportation, especially, for global resources’ supply. Accordingly, the traditional role of ports in maritime transportation, creating a link between maritime and inland transport, has changed, and they have become networking sites where members of supply chains come together. This leads to a need for higher degree of coordination and cooperation, which indicates a requirement for integration to supply chains to meet the needs and demands of customers, and also to achieve higher levels of competitiveness. Although existing literature acknowledges this need, the number of studies is limited. This study, therefore, aims to specify and interpret the available literature about the integration of maritime transportation to supply chains with a focus on port integration, and accordingly suggest some further research ideas.