Administrative and Legal Framework for the Digitalization of the Maritime Sector in Ukraine: From Services for Ship Crews to Smart Ports and Autonomous Navigation

Abstract

The aim of this article is to substantiate the guidelines for updating the administrative and legal framework for the digitalization of public administrative services for ship crews, the implementation of the innovative “smart port” concept for organizing port operations, and the development of autonomous navigation in Ukraine, taking into account best international practices, as well as the principles of sustainable development and good governance. The study explores the current regulatory framework, identifies key obstacles to implementing innovations in the field of digital services for seafarers, shipping and port operations, and outlines opportunities to enhance the efficiency of their public administration. The methodological basis of the research comprises a set of approaches for the systematic understanding of social phenomena and processes, including analysis and synthesis, the comparative method, as well as scientific forecasting of changes to legal regulations. The main resultsof the study include substantiating the necessity of enhancing the efficiency, transparency and security of sectoral governance through digital services and automated systems. Innovative platforms for ship crews and ports reduce document processing time, increase throughput capacity and contribute to the modernization of the functions of authorized entities and other stakeholders, but still require further optimization. Collaboration with scientific and educational institutions facilitates the testing of new technologies and the development of “smart ports”, shaping an intelligent, sustainable and secure ecosystem for the maritime and port sector and defining directions for further research and digital transformation. The conclusions highlight the necessity for additional academic research in the field of legal and administrative framework for digitalization to develop a contemporary national model of public administration for the maritime and port sectors, that will integrate state support, as well as commercial, scientific, educational and social components, and introduce new standards for their interaction.