Global supply chains currently are inefficient and unsustainable, due to their overlap and lack of interconnection. The Physical Internet (PI) proposes a paradigm shift in the way we move, store, supply, realize and use goods. The goal of the PI is to interconnect global supply chains, amongst others, on a digital level. For this, information systems are needed. Seaports, being drivers of global supply chains, therefore also need information systems on an integral level. In certain ports, Port Community Systems (PCS) serve as port’s information systems. They facilitate information exchange between stakeholders to better connect port processes. This research explores the potential role of PCS in PI ports. It does so by performing a Design Science Research (DSR). The artefact that is designed, is a conceptual information system that addresses key (PI) port functions. A case study analysis at Portbase, the Dutch PCS, has revealed what information is exchanged between which stakeholders. PI literature provides grip for PI information system requirements. The integration of the PCS analysis and the PI requirements has led to a design of an information system that shows the potential of a PCS in a PI port. The design shows that, according to the current offer of PCS services, PCS’ potential role focuses mainly on compliance related processes in PI ports. It also shows that the offer of logistics related services that are needed in PI ports, is limited. It is therefore recommended that PCS focus on an extension of logistics related services that are needed in PI ports. Future research may address the potential of PCS in a federated network of platforms.

Physical Internet (PI) is an innovation, which is introduced to cope with the unsustainable eects of logistics on society, environment and economy. Research to the implications of this innovation on important components/stakeholders in logistics, like maritime ports and Port Authorities (PA) lack. To fill in this gap, this study uses the Bayesian Best Worst Method to analyse dierent policy directions the PA of a landlord ports could apply to make the maritime port attractive in the uncertain future of PI. From this study can be concluded that dependent on how this innovation will develop, dierent policy focus for the PA is recommended. Still, in general the PA should focus on developing and providing information systems and information platforms, and the PA should focus on developing and stimulating the usage of (PI) standards.

The Physical Internet (PI) is a novel vision that aims to reshape and improve efficiency of transport and logistics. A game-changing vision is expected to have a profound effect on all actors involved in freight transport systems. However, the concept is still in early stages, and the study of the PI in the context of maritime ports has remained unexplored. With maritime ports considered as key global trade enablers, the proposed research aims to provide insights into possible scenarios for the evolution of ports under the development of the Physical Internet. Firstly, a framework that shows the categorical evolution of ports under the influence of three developing PI characteristics is generated, by means of literature review, interviews with experts and brainstorming sessions. Secondly, a scenario logic approach is used to generate hypothetical futures. Both the framework and the hypothetical futures are then used as input for a Delphi-study in which experts in the field of PI assess the level of development of each of the PI characteristics for the years 2030 and 2040. The results from the questionnaire are used to generate the evolution path of maritime ports through the lenses of the proposed framework, for each scenario. An important finding from the survey is that a governance dimension, which entail a set of rules and protocols for a cooperative, safe and reliable PI environment, can lag behind and delay the development of ports towards "PI ports" in the upcoming years. Also, under the most optimistic scenario, the Physical Internet scales up to the regional level at most by the horizon year 2040, with ports not reaching the level of global hub hyperconnectivity by this period, as per the opinions of the PI experts.