| Περίληψη : | In the current shipping industry, ports serve as critical nodes in increasingly complex and high-demand global supply chains, facing mounting pressure to keep up with rising trade volumes, strict environmental regulations, and evolving customer expectations for speed and transparency. Traditional port operations, heavily reliant on manual processes and limited technological integration, are inadequate to meet these demands. As a result, automation and digital transformation have emerged as essential strategies for modernizing port infrastructure and enhancing competitiveness. Advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and autonomous systems, are being adopted to improve operational efficiency, optimize cargo handling, and streamline port management. However, the rapid pace of digitalization introduces new challenges, including high capital investments, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and significant socio-economic implications, particularly concerning workforce displacement and skill requirements.This thesis investigates the impact of automation and digital transformation on port development, examining how these advancements are reshaping traditional port functions, management practices, and their role within the global logistics network. By studying case studies on leading “smart ports”, this research identifies key enablers and obstacles to technology adoption, including regulatory challenges, integration with legacy systems, and the availability of skilled labour. The study further explores the significance of emerging digital tools in enhancing real-time data-driven decision-making, reducing human error, and achieving sustainability targets by minimizing energy consumption and carbon emissions.Despite the promising potential of automation, there are notable research gaps in understanding the full implications of digital transformation within port ecosystems. Specifically, the existing literature lacks comprehensive analysis of the strategic and operational impacts of automation across diverse port contexts, as well as the long-term socio-economic effects of workforce automation on port communities. Furthermore, limited attention has been given to the cybersecurity risks inherent in interconnected port systems, which could expose critical infrastructure to potential cyber threats and disrupt global supply chains. This thesis addresses these gaps by providing a multidimensional assessment of how automation and digital transformation are influencing port development, focusing on the interplay between technological advancements, operational efficiency, and the resilience of ports in an increasingly digitalized economy.Key findings reveal that while automation and digitalization can significantly improve port efficiency and resilience, they also demand a shift in governance, substantial investment in infrastructure, and the development of robust cybersecurity frameworks. By addressing the complexities of digital transformation, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of how ports an effectively adapt to and thrive in the evolving landscape of global trade.
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