The integration of supply chains has been among the most significant issues to be discussed in the context of transportation in recent years. The question of whether integration adds value is of high scientific and practical value. There are many potential benefits that supply chain integration can bring about at strategic, economic and operational level, and these ben- efits have been recognized in the maritime sector and more so in the liner shipping sector that has been gradually liberalized. This liberalization has forced companies to adapt in order to ensure their viability in an environ- ment characterized by intense competition, market uncertainty and cash- flow volatility. In addition, the increasingly sophisticated and demanding customer requirements forced companies to extend their service portfolio and geographical scope by vertically integrating in the supply chain. How- ever, the relationship between supply chain integration and financial perfor- mance in maritime supply chains has not been entirely clear. On the basis of this motivation, this paper sought to provide empirical evidence of this relationship.
This study has provided preliminary, albeit novel, evidence of the relation between supply chain integration and performance in the maritime logistics
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context; evidence which indicates a positive relationship and upon which further studies can be based, in order for practitioners and managers to gain the support of the scientific community when they take key decisions. The field of liner shipping and maritime logistics develops at a very high pace and it is important for empirical research to be carried out in order to keep up with the developments.
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