The impact of Green Ports on developing Sustainable Logistics

Abstract

The growing imperative for sustainability, shaped by environmental concerns and more stringent regulatory frameworks, has intensified the need to restructure modern logistics systems. The logistics sector is responsible for approximately 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions and remains among the most challenging industries to decarbonize. In response to these pressures, green ports have emerged as key strategic actors, supporting the transition toward more sustainable logistics by mitigating emissions from logistical activities. This study examines the extent to which green ports contribute to the advancement of the sustainable logistics sector. The research on this theme starts with a bibliometric study of the impact of green ports on sustainable logistics, that indicates opportunities for enhancing research visibility and accessibility, encouraging multi-disciplinary perspective on this subject. Subsequently, the research incorporates a qualitative analysis with the aim to identify green initiatives and strategic priorities of European ports. The objective is to underscore the impact of green ports on logistics highlighting the imperative need for port decarbonization. Overall, the promotion of green ports strategies and initiatives is essential for achieving sustainable logistics at a global scale. This paper represents only the first step of a interdisciplinary research papers and opens a series of future studies on exploring technological innovations and policy frameworks, that has to integrate green ports practices within the logistics sector.