Revista Sextante

Optimizing Naval Logistics and Supply Chain Resilience Through Digital Technologies

Fatima Z. Benali

Department of Defence Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Atlas Institute for Maritime Logistics Research, Casablanca, Morocco

Keywords: naval logistics, supply chain resilience, digital technologies, predictive analytics, additive manufacturing

Abstract

Naval operations depend on the continuous flow of fuel, munitions, spare parts, food, medical supplies, and personnel across oceans, often far from home bases and under threat. Disruption of these flows can reduce readiness faster than any shortage of ships or weapons. This article examines how digital technologies can optimise naval logistics and strengthen supply chain resilience. It reviews the characteristics of naval logistics, the concepts of resilience and vulnerability, and the contributions of real time visibility, predictive analytics, additive manufacturing, autonomous systems, and digital platforms. It also analyses the risks introduced by digital dependence, including cybersecurity and data integrity concerns, and considers allied interoperability and industrial base issues. Drawing on research in supply chain management, military logistics, and digital transformation, the analysis finds that digital tools can improve visibility, shorten response times, reduce inventory burdens, and enable adaptation to disruption, but that their benefits depend on data quality, secure architectures, skilled people, and organisational change. The article concludes that resilience is best achieved by combining digital capability with redundancy, flexibility, and collaboration, and it offers recommendations for naval organisations seeking to modernise sustainment.