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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Transportation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2021) | Viewed by 50086

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Ryuichi Shibasaki

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Guest Editor

Resilience Engineering Research Center, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
Interests: global logistics; intermodal transport; AIS
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Daisuke Watanabe

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Guest Editor

Department of Logistics and Information Engineering, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Tokyo 135-8533, Japan
Interests: logistics system engineering; logistics risk management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Tomoya Kawasaki

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Guest Editor

Department of Systems Innovation, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
Interests: supply chain management (SCM); value chain management (VCM); logistics systems optimization; graph analysis; big data analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are calling for papers for a Special Issue of the journal Sustainability on research related to global and international logistics. In the present world, with the recent advances in the globalization of trade and economic activity, research on the logistics issue should be approached from more global or international viewpoints, to achieve the sustainable economic development in the world. Global issues on the logistics field include not only international cooperation and cross-border issues, but also intermodal transport, global shipping network analysis, supply chain integration and coordination, intelligent transport system and information technologies, green and reverse logistics, impacts of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and others. Furthermore, since the current advancement of information technologies enables us to use some kinds of big data in the global logistics field, we also encourage you to propose new ideas on big data analysis in this field.

This Special Issue will be related to the 8th International Conference on Transportation & Logistics (TLOG 2020) which will be held in Surabaya, Indonesia on 6–8 September 2020 (https://tlog2020.uisi.ac.id/). Some of the papers to be published will be selected from the papers submitted to this conference. However, we are broadly calling for papers for this SI, not limited to these conference papers and expect many contributions from experts in the field. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Prof. Ryuichi Shibasaki
Prof. Dr. Daisuke Watanabe
Prof. Dr. Tomoya Kawasaki
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Global logistics
Intermodal transport
Logistics network
Big data on logistics
Cross-border issues
Maritime shipping
Global supply chain
Regional coordination and cooperation in transportation logistics
ITS and IT
Green logistics and reverse logistics
Belt and Road Initiative

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 151 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Global and International Logistics

by Ryuichi Shibasaki, Daisuke Watanabe and Tomoya Kawasaki

Sustainability 2021, 13(10), 5610; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13105610 - 18 May 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3745

Abstract

In the present world, with the recent advances in the globalization of trade and economic activity, research on the logistics issue should be approached from more global or international viewpoints, to achieve sustainable economic development [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global and International Logistics)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

24 pages, 6187 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Foldable Containers Enhance Efficient Empty Container Repositioning under Demand Fluctuation?—Case of the Pacific Region

by Zirui Liang, Ryuichi Shibasaki and Yuji Hoshino

Sustainability 2021, 13(9), 4730; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13094730 - 23 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3182

Abstract

This study considers the empty container repositioning problem of shipping companies that use standard and 3-in-1 foldable containers with more advanced designs. A mathematical model is developed to compare the total management costs of container repositioning of various patterns in different cargo shipping demand scenarios. Numerous scenario analyses and simulations of empty container repositioning were conducted, focusing on a liner shipping service in the Pacific Islands where empty containers are likely to be present because of the imbalance between inbound and outbound flows of containers, including static analysis and consecutive analysis with demand fluctuation in different approaches. Results show that with the introduction of foldable containers, depending on the growth rate of container cargo shipping demand, the total management costs of empty container repositioning can be reduced. However, introducing a large number of foldable containers may increase the total management costs of container repositioning. Moreover, the cost reduction effect of adding another containership increases in cases where future cargo shipping demand increases substantially. Furthermore, the introduction of foldable containers not only effectively reduces the management costs of empty containers, but also makes costs more stable and predictable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global and International Logistics)

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17 pages, 2253 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Model for Developing Existing Ports Considering Economic Impact and Network Connectivity

by Veterina Nosadila Riaventin, Sofyan Dwi Cahyo and Ivan Kristianto Singgih

Sustainability 2021, 13(7), 3705; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073705 - 26 Mar 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2182

Abstract

This study discusses the problem of determining which container port should be developed within an existing network and when this should be carried out. A case study of Indonesia’s port network is presented, where several new ports are to be improved to ensure smooth interisland transportation flows of goods. The effects of the investment on economic consequences and increased network connectivity are assessed. When improving the ports, we consider that the available budget limits the investment. The network connectivity is evaluated by considering the number of reachable ports from the developed ports or transportation time required from other ports within the same port cluster. Based on our knowledge, our study is the first one that discusses the investment problem in multiple container ports under single management, as well as its effects regarding the increase in container flows. The problem is introduced and three mathematical models are proposed and used to solve a real problem. The results show that different models have different improved aspects of container transportation flows—e.g., a balanced improvement of the whole port network (Model 2) and appropriate investment priority for port clusters (Model 3). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global and International Logistics)

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22 pages, 5196 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of GHG Emission Measures Based on Shipping and Shipbuilding Market Forecasting

by Yujiro Wada, Tatsumi Yamamura, Kunihiro Hamada and Shinnosuke Wanaka

Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2760; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052760 - 04 Mar 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4457

Abstract

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the global shipping sector have been increasing due to global economic growth. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a goal of halving GHG emissions from the global shipping sector by 2050 as compared with 2008 levels, and has responded by introducing several international regulations to reduce the GHG emissions of maritime transportation. The impact of GHG emissions’ regulation and measures to curb them have been evaluated in the IMO’s GHG studies. However, the long-term influence of these GHG emission measures has not yet been assessed. Additionally, the impact of various GHG reduction measures on the shipping and shipbuilding markets has not been considered; accordingly, there is room for improvement in the estimation of GHG emissions. Therefore, in this study, a model to consider GHG emission scenarios for the maritime transportation sector was developed using system dynamics and was integrated into a shipping and shipbuilding market model. The developed model was validated based on actual results and estimation results taken from a previous study. Subsequently, simulations were conducted, allowing us to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of GHG emission-curbing measures using the proposed model. Concretely, we conducted an evaluation of the effects of current and future measures, especially ship speed reduction, transition to liquid natural gas (LNG) fuel, promotion of energy efficiency design index (EEDI) regulation, and introduction of zero-emission ships, for GHG emission reduction. Additionally, we conducted an evaluation of the combination of current and future measures. The results showed that it is difficult to achieve the IMO goals for 2050 by combining only current measures and that the introduction of zero-emission ships is necessary to achieve the goals. Moreover, the limits of ship speed reduction were discussed quantitatively in relation to the maritime market aspect, and it was found that the feasible limit of ship speed reduction from a maritime market perspective was approximately 50%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global and International Logistics)

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18 pages, 2306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Logistics Development Level on International Trade in China: A Provincial Analysis

by Wei Ma, Xiaoshu Cao and Jiyuan Li

Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 2107; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13042107 - 16 Feb 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4768

Abstract

Transport infrastructure and logistics are gradually becoming important factors affecting global trade. At the same time, with the international logistics corridor along the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) going deep into construction, China is emerging as a unique case to study how logistics affects international trade. Therefore, based on the evaluation index system of logistics development level of China’s provinces by using the entropy method, this paper systematically analyzed the impact of logistics development level on bilateral trade from 31 China’s provinces to 65 countries along the BRI by using the improved gravity model with data for the period 2008–2018. Empirical results show: (1) Logistics development level had significantly promoted international trade development. (2) Compared with partner countries, China’s provincial logistics development level presented a greater impact on bilateral trade. (3) Influence of logistics development level was manifested in different periods, different international and regions, especially, logistics development level coefficient of the western region was negative, while that in eastern region was positive. In view of the above research results, we argue that strengthening domestic and international logistics construction is not only conductive to the sustainable development of China’s future trade, but also help to realize the coordinated development between China’s eastern, central and western regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global and International Logistics)

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20 pages, 335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

International Logistics and Cross-Border E-Commerce Trade: Who Matters Whom?

by Yugang He, Renhong Wu and Yong-Jae Choi

Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 1745; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13041745 - 06 Feb 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 7807

Abstract

Unlike previous papers on international logistics and cross-border e-commerce trade, this paper sets Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries as an example to explore the dynamic interaction between international logistics and cross-border e-commerce trade. The panel data for the period 2000–2018 will be employed to perform an empirical analysis via a host of econometric techniques, such as panel unit root tests, panel cointegration tests, panel causality tests and the panel vector error correction model. Incorporating with other control variables, we find that there is a long-term relationship between international logistics and cross-border e-commerce trade. Specifically speaking, in the long-run, international logistics has a positive and significant effect on cross-border e-commerce trade. However, in the short-run, international logistics has a negative and significant effect on cross-border e-commerce trade. Furthermore, the results suggest that deviation from a cointegration system of cross-border e-commerce trade and international logistics will lead to the cross-border e-commerce trade and international logistics changing within the range of approximately 2.2% to 47.2% in the next period. Therefore, referring to these findings, each OECD country’s government should take up corresponding policies to ensure the sustainable development of both international logistics and cross-border e-commerce trade. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global and International Logistics)

17 pages, 606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying Factors for Selecting Land over Maritime in Inter-Regional Cross-Border Transport

by Shinya Hanaoka, Takuma Matsuda, Wataru Saito, Tomoya Kawasaki and Takashi Hiraide

Sustainability 2021, 13(3), 1471; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031471 - 31 Jan 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2768

Abstract

Several cross-border land corridor projects have been implemented worldwide, because land transport is a vital alternative to international maritime transport in inter-regional transport. Maritime transport generally costs less than land transport, but it is much slower. Nonetheless, land transport can be more appropriate than maritime under certain situations. This study aims to identify factors that can help select between these two modes in long-distance inter-regional cross-border transport; to this end, a Tobit model is employed to estimate the dependent variable, i.e., the land ratio of origin–destination pairs between countries and/or areas. Eight variables are identified as significant: distance, export of manufacturing commodity, landlocked country/area, neighboring country/area, country risk, infrastructure level, port-access time, and maritime transport frequency. We also find that geographical conditions, country relationship, and regulations are barriers for selecting land transport. However, cross-border land corridors contribute to the increase of land ratio. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global and International Logistics)

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16 pages, 3326 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Analysis of an Emission Inventory from Liquefied Natural Gas Fleet Based on Automatic Identification System Database

by Hoegwon Kim, Daisuke Watanabe, Shigeki Toriumi and Enna Hirata

Sustainability 2021, 13(3), 1250; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031250 - 25 Jan 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2447

Abstract

Many states are actively working toward regulating CO₂ emissions from a wide range of industries. However, due to the international characteristic of shipping, the emissions from shipping have not yet been strictly controlled. Using Automatic Identification System (AIS) data acquired through satellites, this study estimates the emission inventory, such as, CO₂, CH₄, CH₄, N₂O, NO_x, CO and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) around the world and bunker consumption from a liquified natural gas (LNG) fleet under the assumption that a LNG fleet uses LNG as fuel. Using position data calculated from an AIS database, we made comparisons regarding the LNG trade amount and bunker consumption of LNG fleet, as well as the total CO₂ inventory and CO₂ emissions from LNG fleet in the vicinity of the coasts of relevant countries. The result provides insights into (1) how the emissions and bunker consumption from LNG fleet is distributed, (2) which countries are taking relatively more advantages of LNG trade, and (3) which countries are suffering possible harmful effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global and International Logistics)

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14 pages, 724 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of China’s Tightening Environmental Regulations on International Waste Trade and Logistics

by Trang Tran, Hiromasa Goto and Takuma Matsuda

Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 987; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020987 - 19 Jan 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 7862

Abstract

In recent years, China’s influence as the dominant importer of waste products has reshaped global waste trade through restrictive programs such as Operation Green Fence in 2013 and National Sword in 2017. These restrictions have greatly affected not only China’s import of waste products but also the international trade and global logistics of these products. China’s import restrictions in 2017 decreased the country’s import of waste plastic by 92% and used paper by 56%. It also increased the unit value of these two categories of waste by 27% and 13%, respectively, showing an improvement in the quality of imported waste. Most of these impacts originate from intensive margins. The restrictions diverted the flow of waste mostly to the low- and middle-income countries of the East Asian and Pacific regions along with Europe and Central Asia, as their imports increased by 161% and 266% for waste plastic and 101% and 77% for used paper, respectively. Compared with Operation Green Fence, the impact of the 2017 National Sword has been much higher, with shipping companies faced with a lack of products on backhaul routes and forced to change their longstanding practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global and International Logistics)

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22 pages, 5266 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact on Myanmar’s Logistics Flow of the East–West and Southern Corridor Development of the Greater Mekong Subregion—A Global Logistics Intermodal Network Simulation

by Takuya Yamaguchi, Ryuichi Shibasaki, Hiroyuki Samizo and Hisanari Ushirooka

Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 668; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020668 - 12 Jan 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4284

Abstract

This study focuses on container shipping in Myanmar, which is expected to grow manifold in the near future, given the country’s rapid economic growth rates. This study simulates the impact of Myanmar’s logistics policies on container shipping. These initiatives include the improvement of the East–West Corridor of the Greater Mekong Subregion and the development of the Southern Corridor and Dawei port. The global logistics intermodal network simulation model including both maritime shipping and land transport, is applied to the land-based southeast Asia (ASEAN) region. The estimated results obtained for several different scenarios are crosschecked and compared with the available information on observed flows. Based on the simulation results, the authors conclude that policies that reduce cross-border barriers and improve service levels in Dawei port would result in Thailand using Myanmar’s ports for their cargo as well. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global and International Logistics)

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23 pages, 1010 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Decrypting the Belt and Road Initiative: Barriers and Development Paths for Global Logistics Networks

by Benjamin Nitsche

Sustainability 2020, 12(21), 9110; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12219110 - 02 Nov 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4091

Abstract

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an ambitious infrastructure and development project promoting sustainable economic growth through facilitating prosperous trade across Eurasia and Africa; however, its potential remains underexploited. Logistics networks along BRI routes face several challenges that hinder efficient operations. In addition, although uncertain of how the initiative will develop, logistics and supply chain management (LSCM) practitioners must align their networks with future developments. This study aims to synthesize current barriers to the BRI from an LSCM perspective; propose strategies for dealing with them; and outline and assess conceivable BRI development scenarios to create awareness for possible international logistics network developments. The study builds on a structured and moderated Nominal Group Technique exercise among 15 LSCM professionals to extract current barriers, mitigation strategies, and potential development scenarios, followed by a survey among 52 LSCM professionals to assess those issues. The study synthesizes and assesses 17 BRI barriers for LSCM practice and proposes 20 strategies for dealing with them, assessed in terms of effectiveness and complexity. Moreover, 14 development scenarios are assessed in terms of their probability of becoming reality and impact on the vulnerability of logistics networks, categorized into four scenario clusters (monitor, prepare, propel, and exploit) for guiding LSCM practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Global and International Logistics)

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