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Transforming E-Commerce Logistics: Sustainable Practices through Autonomous Maritime and Last-Mile Transportation Solutions

Author

Listed:
  • Nistor Andrei

    (Doctoral School of Entrepreneurship, Business Engineering & Management, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 313, 060042 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Cezar Scarlat

    (Doctoral School of Entrepreneurship, Business Engineering & Management, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 313, 060042 Bucharest, Romania)

  • Alexandra Ioanid

    (Doctoral School of Entrepreneurship, Business Engineering & Management, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Splaiul Independentei 313, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
    Academy of Romanian Scientists, Ilfov 3, 050044 Bucharest, Romania)

Abstract

The logistics landscape in e-commerce is undergoing a profound transformation toward sustainability and autonomy. This paper explores the implementation of autonomous maritime and last-mile transportation solutions to optimize the entire logistics chain from factory to customer. Building on the lessons learned from the maritime industry’s digital transformation, the study identifies key features and proposes a forward-looking autonomous maritime and last-mile transportation system. Emphasizing the role of geospatial technologies, the proposed system employs GIS-based electronic route optimization for efficient goods delivery, integrating onboard and ashore GIS-based sensors for enhanced location precision. A case study was built to analyze the implementation of autonomous means of transport along the route of a product from factory to customer. The integration of autonomous systems shows substantial improvements in logistics performance. Synchromodal logistics and smart steaming techniques can be utilized to optimize transportation routes, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and emissions. The findings reveal that autonomous maritime and last-mile transport systems can significantly enhance the efficiency, flexibility and sustainability of e-commerce logistics. The study emphasizes the need for advanced technological integration and provides a comprehensive framework for future research and practical applications in the logistics industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Nistor Andrei & Cezar Scarlat & Alexandra Ioanid, 2024. "Transforming E-Commerce Logistics: Sustainable Practices through Autonomous Maritime and Last-Mile Transportation Solutions," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 8(3), pages 1-21, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:8:y:2024:i:3:p:71-:d:1435307
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Ju, Chunhua & Liu, Huajin & Xu, Aidi & Zhang, Jie, 2023. "Green logistics of fossil fuels and E-commerce: Implications for sustainable economic development," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PB).
    2. Riccardo Giusti & Daniele Manerba & Roberto Tadei, 2021. "Smart Steaming: A New Flexible Paradigm for Synchromodal Logistics," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-21, April.
    3. Massimo Di Gangi & Antonio Polimeni & Orlando Marco Belcore, 2023. "Freight Distribution in Small Islands: Integration between Naval Services and Parcel Lockers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-15, May.
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