Shift of emphasis toward intelligent equipment maintenance in port operations: A critical review of emerging trends and challenges

Abstract

Due to the deepening levels of port automation and intelligence, the degree of equipment automation and the complexity of maintenance operations have increased substantially. Consequently, the evolution of intelligent technology has led to significant shifts in the types and quantities of issues encountered during the actual operation of equipment compared to historical contexts. The prevailing understanding of equipment maintenance systems might restrict ports' capacity to handle emergencies and exacerbate operational risks. This paper employs bibliometric methods to analyze the current state of cooperation, key focus areas, and emerging trends in port equipment maintenance. Additionally, the study conducts a critical analysis and systematic investigation based on the bibliometric results. The findings indicate that intelligent technology introduces novel methodologies for port equipment maintenance. Nevertheless, multiple challenges remain in applying intelligent technologies, such as data integration, fault tracking, and real-time diagnosis. The paper emphasizes that future research should concentrate on enhancing data fusion capabilities, improving fault management effectiveness, and refining maintenance decision-making processes to elevate the intelligence of port equipment.