Nautical tourism ports make an open, dynamic and complex system which has been rapidly evolving; this is the reason why the development of this system requires continual monitoring and research. The existing models and development plans concerning nautical tourism ports donot provide for a systematic qualitative and quantitative development of nautical tourism, thus contributing to economical inefficiency likely to cause even ecological imbalance. The more so if nautical ports are regarded as business subjects by whom the concept of sustainable development is declaratively acceptable. For this reason, this paper presents in a systematic and clear way the results of the research based on an overall analysis and evaluation of nautical tourism ports’ position and development plans. On the basis of the results obtained, the paper presents a model of sustainable development of nautical tourism ports whereby the authors propose to redefine the approach to planning the development of nautical tourism and particularly to creating the offer and to understanding the relationship between economic development and environmental protection.

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This paper analyses how digital technologies implementation in the maritime transport sector companies can help in achieving the Blue Economy goals. Previous research offering a comprehensive overview of digital technologies in the maritime transport sector within the context of the Blue Economy is scarce. To fill this research gap, the economic effects of maritime transport are investigated, and the positive impacts of digital technologies on maritime transport are analyzed, all in the context of the Blue Economy. The authors have concluded that by implementing digital technologies in the maritime transport sector, the Blue Economy goals related to maritime transport (for example transport cost reduction, decreased harmful emissions generated during the voyage and at the berth) can better be achieved, etc.

The optimization of the goods delivery to Rijeka’s city center presents a complex organizational framework where many parameters must be taken into account and a diverse multi-methodological approach, needs to be utilized. The building of a distribution center is asserted here to be one notable way to improve the existing delivery service. The grouping of freight in a distribution center would result in a reduction of transport costs due to a smaller number of vehicles entering the city center, in turn reducing the traffic burden incumbent on the city’s transport network. In this paper, two of the many possible methods related to the optimization of goods delivery in city centers, have been used. Based on the data collected through the study’s questionnaire, conducted in the area of the city of Rijeka, the method of gravity center has been used to determine the location of the distribution center. Then, based on the tentative location of the distribution center, the method of optimization of the transport process has been applied by resorting to transport problem-solving methods, including several different implementation scenarios. From the proposed solutions, and based on the results detailed, the solution that was found to be the most credible was arguably the best match with the default criterion.

The fourth industrial revolution is already a fact. It is manifested in the emerging automation of many processes in shipping, which until recently have been highly dependent on the competence of the people who manage them. The analysis of navigational accidents invariably touches the human factor and involves it in the reasons for their occurrence. The statistics are discouraging and the lack of competence of seafarers is always present in the reports of the investigating authorities. The idea of creating and implementing autonomous ships is cited as a lifeline to overcome the shortcomings that disturb the industry due to the human factor. A few authors in their publications point out many unresolved issues, one of which is related to the education and competence of service personnel. The existing International Convention for Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping of Seafarers does not cover unmanned ships. The mandatory and recommended competencies in it are addressed to the people on board. Some maritime educational institutions have introduced the concept of “autonomous ship” in their curricula, such as Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, Varna and Faculty of Maritime Study, Split. There are probably others who think ahead, but this approach is not enough because unmanned ships are already a fact in the maritime industry. This article aims at exploring the possibilities for supplementing the curricula of maritime training institutions with appropriate subjects for the new realities in shipping.