An overview of innovations and technology for sustainable development of seaports

Abstract

Seaports are important factors in global economies since most of the global trade is operated through maritime sector. Economic importance of seaports can be observed from various positive effects they produce for the area where they are located. At the same time, seaport activities create negative effects on the environment such as marine, air and soil pollution, waste production and noise generation that affect the health and quality of life of people. This paper analyses the possibility of achieving sustainable development of seaports through the development and implementation of innovations. The implementation of innovations in seaports affect the success of their operations, reduces business costs and creates conditions for maintaining a competitive position on the market; thereby affecting the economy as a whole. Moreover, innovations reduce negative effects on the environment thus affecting the ecological aspect and improve the quality of life of citizens, thus affecting the social aspect. The results of the research indicate that innovations in the maritime sector are mostly focused on the existing markets and include a discounted process of small improvements in the areas of vessel design and construction, fuel technology and port infrastructure. However, the development possibilities of seaports can also include innovations that are more focused on information and communication technologies (ICT). Innovations can address economic, social and environmental concerns and can give alternative guidelines for achieving sustainable development of seaports.