Classification of Green Practices Implemented in Ports: The Application of Green Technologies, Tools, and Strategies

Abstract

This study reviews and categorises ports’ green initiatives to reduce their polluting emissions and improve their overall environmental performance. These categories facilitate comparisons between different practices and allow the identification of common trends and challenges. Through a systematic review that combines both academic and industry sources, green port practices including strategies, tools, infrastructures, and initiatives were identified. This methodology enhances the credibility and reliability of the findings by thoroughly reviewing the available literature and data. Overall, 380 records of green practices explored by ports and port-related stakeholders worldwide have been reviewed. The practices’ main elements, characteristics, implementation challenges, and indicative environmental outcomes are highlighted. The results show that the most commonly discussed green solutions are driven mainly by the regulation requirements and ports’ own interest to develop environmentally friendly operations, while at the same time remaining competitive in terms of sustainability in the port industry. Consequently, the most widely explored solutions include (i) Shore Side Electricity–Onshore Power Supply, (ii) alternative fuels, (iii) circular economy, and (iv) waste management.