Towards sustainable port management: Comparative evidence from Italy, UAE and India

Abstract

As role of ports is changing rapidly in global supply chains and transport networks, and sixth-generation ports are evolving on the threshold of the fourth industrial revolution, the issue of sustainable port management has become crucial. Consequently, the Port Authority and policy-makers are under increasing pressure from all stakeholders whether business, governmental or societal, to adopt more mature sustainability theories and models that provide assurance for effective implementation and ease in practice for sustainability measures in ports. Apparently, such developments in port sustainability vary across countries in the realm of usual competition and cooperation dynamics of ports. This article examines the directives and efficacies of sustainability initiatives at three major ports located in three different countries. By utilizing a comparative case study methodology grounded in existing theory, this research aims to understand the success factors, differences and trends in sustainable port management. Additionally, managerial implications are discussed while tracing a pattern along with the empirical results.