Smart Maritime Futures: Industry 4.0, Marine System Resilience, and Ecological Stewardship in Global Supply Chains

The transformation of global maritime supply chains through Industry 4.0 is reshaping the ways in which marine systems interact with technological, economic, and ecological influences. As the maritime sector faces mounting pressures from climate change, marine resource depletion, and complex regulatory landscapes, the integration of digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital twins, and the Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a pivotal response to these challenges. Recent research has demonstrated the potential of these advancements for enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring supply chain resilience, and crucially, mitigating adverse ecological impacts. Yet, while the promise of intelligent maritime logistics is widely acknowledged, substantial knowledge gaps persist regarding their systemic impact on marine environments, ecosystem services, and the broader ecological footprint of shipping and port operations. This Research Topic aims to investigate how Industry 4.0 technologies can be harnessed not only to optimize efficiency in global maritime supply chains but also to advance ecological sustainability in marine systems. We seek to uncover the synergies between digitalization, sustainable logistics, and marine ecosystem protection, with a specific focus on solutions that mitigate environmental harm and promote responsible resource stewardship. Central questions revolve around the ecological consequences of digital transformation, how intelligent systems can be designed with conservation goals in mind, and what new frameworks may support harmonious coexistence between technological progress and marine health.Focusing specifically on marine systems and their ecological dimensions, this Research Topic invites original research, reviews, and perspectives examining digital and sustainable practices within maritime supply chains. We encourage contributions on the following themes:- AI-driven approaches to marine ecosystem assessment and conservation in supply chain contexts.- Ecological implications of digital-intelligent processes in port-shipping logistics.- Intelligent maritime algorithms enhancing environmental performance and resilience.- Digitalization strategies for reducing the ecological footprint of shipping and port operations.- Smart monitoring and clean energy solutions for sustaining marine biodiversity and reducing pollution.- Implementation pathways and scalable practices that contribute to marine ecosystem health and climate resilienceWe welcome articles in the form of original research, reviews, perspectives, and case studies. Topic editors: Keun-sik Park, Mingjie Fang, Bo Lu Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76326/smart-maritime-futures-industry-40-marine-system-resilience-and-ecological-stewardship-in-global-supply-chains