What is Digitalisation

Drawing on a qualitative investigation, the authors identify the barriers to digital transformation in the maritime industry in Sri Lanka. Based on structured and semi-structured interviews, the data were obtained by contacting 18 respondents from the selected four container shipping companies who hold senior and middle-level management positions. The findings reveal that the barriers to collaboration resources are the most challenging factor. Challenges to collaborating with external stakeholders have been identified as the most significant barrier among collaboration resources. As a result of the non-application of digitalisation across the organisation, digital collaboration between inter-departments also has been a barrier. The digital non-compliance of customers and suppliers has been another obstacle. Barriers to technological resources have been identified as the second most significant factor, and weaknesses in available IT infrastructure, lack of knowledge in digital service integrations, and cyber security have been underlined.