A Review of the Application of Simulation Technology in Maritime Logistics: A System Analysis based on Multi-Method Simulation

Maritime logistics, as a cornerstone of global trade, carries nearly 90% of international freight volume. However, traditional maritime logistics planning relies heavily on human experience and simplistic models, which limits its ability to address complex systems and real-world uncertainties. Simulation technology, with its advantages in virtual environment modeling and lowering trial-and-error costs, has become a valuable tool to solve these challenges. This paper systematically reviews mainstream simulation technologies in the field of maritime logistics and compares their application scenarios, advantages, and limitations. Based on this, it presents a multidimensional review of the practical impact of simulation on areas such as maritime network optimization, port operation efficiency, and supply chain integration. Furthermore, this study discusses current challenges faced by simulation technology and explores trends in its integration with emerging technologies such as digital twins. Finally, it proposes feasible future research directions, suggesting a focus on multi-technology integration to support the digital and low-carbon transformation of maritime logistics.