Purpose Against the backdrop of eastward shift of global refining capacity, tightening environmental regulations and shipping cyclical fluctuations, geopolitical conflicts have become the key exogenous shock reshaping tanker shipping market fundamentals. This paper aims to reveal the inner transmission logic of geopolitical shocks on global tanker market, identify long-run structural market trends, and propose adaptive strategic principles for industrial stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach Based on systems theory and maritime economics, this paper constructs an Situation-Mechanism-Trend (SMT) analytical framework for geopolitical shocks. A mixed-method approach is adopted, including systematic literature coding, event-driven comparative case analysis and descriptive statistical verification using datasets from Clarkson, IEA and Baltic Exchange. Findings Five parallel and mutually reinforcing transmission mechanisms of geopolitical shocks are identified: the trade restructuring effect, shipping lane disruption effect, operating cost escalation effect, geopolitical policy compliance constraint effect, and market expectation volatility effect. Six major structural market trends are verified: regionalized trade patterns, long-distance-oriented shipping routes, structurally differentiated tanker capacity, high-volatility freight pricing, green-oriented fleet upgrading, and digitalized shipping operations. The core contradiction of the tanker industry has transformed from aggregate supply-demand imbalance to structural matching and security risks. Six targeted strategic principles are put forward accordingly. Practical implications This study integrates scattered geopolitical shock paths into a unified analytical framework, and provides systematic decision-making references for energy traders, shipping enterprises and regulatory authorities. Originality/value This study integrates scattered geopolitical shock paths into a unified SMT analytical framework. It clarifies the interaction among multiple transmission mechanisms of geopolitical shocks, and provides systematic decision-making references for energy traders, shipping enterprises and regulatory authorities.
Purpose This study aims to assess the key enablers facilitating the adoption of smart technologies in maritime and shipping logistics using the Grey Influence Analysis (GINA) approach. As maritime supply chains become digitalised at a fast pace, technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Blockchain, Big Data analytics and Digital Twins have become significant drivers of efficiency, sustainability and resilience in operations; however, their successful implementation is contingent on an interconnected set of technological, environmental, economic, ecological and social enablers. Design/methodology/approach The paper identifies the major enablers influencing the adoption of smart technology in maritime logistics through an extensive literature review and professional validation. Expert opinion was collected using a structured questionnaire, and the GINA methodology was applied to identify causal relationships and determine the relative importance of each enabler. This methodology enables the analysis of a large number of responses without information loss, addressing the shortcomings of conventional approaches such as Interpretive Structural Modelling and DEMATEL. Findings The findings identify the most potent enablers that play a significant role in the digital transformation of maritime logistics systems. Practical implications The insights generated will inform policymakers, port actors and logistics managers of the strategic areas of interest for investment and for devising sustainable, smart logistics ecosystems. Originality/value By integrating intelligent technologies with a rigorous causal analysis approach, the paper contributes to the current body of knowledge on maritime digitalization.
Purpose This study examines the evolution of research on climate-driven coral reef change and socio-ecological resilience through an integrated bibliometric and systematic review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2002 and 2025. The study addresses the fragmentation of existing research across ecological, socio-economic and governance perspectives by synthesizing evidence on climate stressors, ecosystem services, human well-being, adaptation strategies and resilience. It aims to map publication trends, identify dominant thematic structures and provide a comprehensive evidence base to support policy development and sustainable management of coral reef ecosystems and reef-dependent coastal communities. Design/methodology/approach The study employed a combined bibliometric and systematic review approach following the PRISMA 2020 framework. A total of 588 peer-reviewed publications published between 2002 and 2025 were retrieved from the Scopus database after a structured screening process. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using Bibliometrix (R) and VOSviewer to examine publication trends, citation patterns, collaboration networks and thematic structures. The systematic review synthesized evidence on ecosystem services, human well-being, adaptation strategies and governance mechanisms, enabling an integrated assessment of climate-driven coral reef change and socio-ecological resilience. Findings The findings reveal a rapidly expanding and increasingly interdisciplinary research field, characterized by strong growth in scientific output and extensive international collaboration. Six major thematic clusters were identified, centering on climate stressors, coral biology, ecosystem services, adaptation, governance and resilience. The review shows that fisheries, tourism, biodiversity conservation and coastal protection are the most frequently discussed ecosystem services linking reef health to human well-being. Key adaptation pathways include ecosystem-based management, marine-protected areas (MPAs), participatory governance, restoration initiatives and livelihood diversification, all of which contribute to strengthening socio-ecological resilience under climate change. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to publications indexed in the Scopus database and restricted to English-language literature, which may have excluded relevant studies from other databases and regional sources. The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the intellectual development of coral reef socio-ecological resilience research and highlight the need for greater integration of ecological, economic and governance perspectives. Future research should strengthen links between ecological indicators and socio-economic outcomes, particularly in underrepresented regions, to support more context-specific adaptation strategies and evidence-based coral reef management. Practical implications The findings provide valuable guidance for policymakers, marine resource managers and conservation practitioners seeking to enhance coral reef resilience under climate change. The study highlights the importance of integrating ecosystem-based management, MPAs, participatory governance and livelihood diversification into coral reef management frameworks. By demonstrating the strong link between reef ecosystem health and human well-being, the study supports the development of adaptation policies that simultaneously protect biodiversity, sustain ecosystem services, strengthen coastal livelihoods and improve the resilience of reef-dependent communities facing increasing climate-related risks. Social implications The study underscores the critical role of coral reefs in supporting food security, employment, income generation and coastal protection for millions of people in tropical coastal communities. By highlighting the social consequences of climate-driven reef degradation, the findings emphasize the need for inclusive adaptation strategies that reduce vulnerability and strengthen community resilience. The study also reinforces the importance of participatory governance and livelihood diversification in enhancing social well-being, promoting equitable resource management and improving the capacity of reef-dependent populations to adapt to climate-related environmental change. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by integrating bibliometric analysis and systematic review methods to provide a comprehensive synthesis of climate-driven coral reef change and socio-ecological resilience research. Unlike previous reviews that focus primarily on ecological or social dimensions, it bridges ecological disturbance, ecosystem services, human well-being and governance perspectives within a single analytical framework. By mapping the intellectual structure of the field and identifying key adaptation pathways, the study offers novel insights into the interconnected nature of reef resilience and provides a valuable evidence base for future research, policy, and management.
Purpose This paper aims to explore the current scenario and potential for the development of Bangladesh's blue economy, focusing on key sectors such as fisheries, maritime transport, renewable energy, minerals and tourism. Design/methodology/approach This research employs the Kellogg Foundation logic model to methodically examine the connections among resource inputs, activities that are planned and intended results in these industries. Findings According to the findings, fostering sustainable economic growth while preserving environmental integrity requires smart infrastructure, technology and human capital investments. A longer list of benefits, such as improved livelihoods, economic resilience and environmental sustainability, is ensured by capacity-building programs and sustainable practices, as the study also emphasizes. Originality/value This paper argues for a balanced approach to resource utilization that is in line with both economic and environmental goals by providing a thorough evaluation of Bangladesh's blue economy initiatives. It also provides insightful information for policymakers and stakeholders. A strong framework for future policy formulation and strategic planning is provided by the research, which highlights the blue economy's potential for promoting sustainable development in Bangladesh.
Purpose This study examines the relationship between logistics performance and export competitiveness across 20 Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) economies during the Panama Canal expansion (PCE) era (2010–2018). Specifically, it investigates how the six components of the Logistics Performance Index (LPI), together with key macroeconomic factors, are associated with export performance across different income groups. Using a two-level Hierarchical Linear Model (HLM), the study evaluates changes in these relationships before and after the PCE. The objective is to provide empirical evidence that informs trade facilitation, customs modernization and maritime logistics policies aimed at enhancing regional export competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach This study employs a two-level HLM to analyze annual panel data for 20 LAC countries from 2010 to 2018. Repeated yearly observations (Level 1) were nested within countries (Level 2) to account for temporal and cross-country variation. Export performance was modeled as the dependent variable, while the six LPI components, along with gross domestic product, trade freedom (TRFR), industrialization and foreign direct investment, served as explanatory variables. Separate analyses were conducted for the pre-PCE (2010–2014) and post-PCE (2016–2018) periods to assess changes in logistics and export relationships across income groups. Findings The findings indicate that customs efficiency was the logistics component most strongly associated with export performance during the post-PCE period. The incremental explanatory power (R2) of LPI customs increased from 1.3% in the pre-PCE period (2010–2014) to 8.3% in the post-PCE period (2016–2018), reaching 10.1% in 2016 and 7.0% in 2018. High-income LAC economies exhibited statistically significant negative associations between customs performance and exports, while no significant relationships were observed for upper-middle- and lower-income economies. TRFR and industrialization consistently showed positive associations with export performance across the models. Research limitations/implications This study is exploratory and identifies statistically significant associations rather than causal relationships between logistics performance and export competitiveness. The analysis is limited to 20 LAC countries over the 2010–2018 period and relies on secondary indicators, which may not capture all the institutional and operational dimensions that influence exports. Future research should incorporate longer time series, additional trade and governance variables, and causal inference methods to examine the mechanisms underlying these relationships. Despite these limitations, the findings provide a robust empirical basis for future multilevel studies on logistics performance, customs modernization and regional trade competitiveness. Practical implications The findings provide evidence for policymakers, customs authorities and port administrators seeking to strengthen export competitiveness through targeted logistics reforms. Prioritizing customs modernization, digital trade facilitation and administrative efficiency can improve the effectiveness of maritime supply chains, particularly in the post-PCE environment. The results also support investments in institutional capacity, streamlined border procedures and trade facilitation initiatives alongside broader industrialization and trade liberalization strategies. For LAC economies, these measures can enhance regional integration, improve logistics performance and increase resilience and competitiveness in global maritime trade and international export markets. Social implications Improved logistics performance and customs efficiency can generate broader social benefits by facilitating trade, supporting economic growth and creating employment opportunities throughout the LAC region. More efficient border procedures and maritime logistics systems can reduce trade costs, enhance the availability of goods and strengthen regional connectivity, benefiting businesses and consumers alike. By promoting institutional modernization and more transparent customs administration, governments can improve public sector efficiency and investor confidence. These improvements contribute to more inclusive and sustainable economic development, helping countries enhance resilience, reduce trade barriers and expand opportunities for participation in global value chains. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by providing one of the first multilevel analyses of the relationship between logistics performance and export competitiveness in LAC economies during the PCE era. Applying a two-level HLM captures both temporal and cross-country variation that conventional regression approaches often overlook. The study also distinguishes pre- and post-expansion periods and examines differences across income groups, offering new insights into the evolving role of customs performance and trade facilitation. These findings provide a valuable empirical foundation for future research on logistics and maritime trade.
