Consolidating Port Decarbonisation Implementation: Concept, Pathways, Barriers, Solutions, and Opportunities

Abstract

Industries worldwide are facing the urgent need to decarbonise in alignment with the goal of the Paris Agreement (PA), which aims to limit global warming. However, progress towards achieving this extremely important goal has been sluggish, and the wider maritime transport sector (ports included) is no exception. Despite practical barriers faced by ports, solutions have not yet been developed. Similarly, the definition or concept of decarbonisation, including opportunities arising for the port sector, remains underdeveloped and lacks support from academic research. Specifically, there are a lack of conceptual studies that yield clear and usable results and evidence. To address this gap and shed light on port decarbonisation as a contemporary issue (the study aim), this study has conducted a literature review consulting different academic and grey studies. The results of this study define the concept of port decarbonisation, highlight the barriers that hinder progress in this area, and establish solutions to guide ports in implementing decarbonisation measures and mitigating barriers. Building upon these findings, this study not only contributes to scholarly discussions surrounding port decarbonisation but also offers valuable implications for port managers, policy makers, practitioners, and other pertinent authorities. By properly understanding the concept of decarbonisation and its barriers and expanding knowledge in relation to it and its practical implementation, including the eye-opening opportunities, port stakeholders can actively contribute to the objective of the Paris Agreement and the broader pursuit of sustainability.

Pollution Control and Well-Being in Rural Areas: A Study Based on Survey Data

“…The most important solution to address port decarbonization barriers is embedded in policies and management tools. Countries and ports need to develop decarbonization strategies with appropriate packages of policies, and when required, introduce grants, subsidies, investments, performance standards, and tasks along with adequate communication and educational activities, as well as carbon taxes [26]. At the same time, these studies call for a re-evaluation of port sustainability in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; this could provide port practitioners and policy makers with valuable references for reliable decision making, serving the wider goal of global sustainable development [27].…”

A Literature Review of Seaport Decarbonisation: Solution Measures and Roadmap to Net Zero

“…It is stated that among the reviewed emission reduction measures applied to ships and ports, the operational measures can achieve an abatement average potential ranging from 20% to 50%, whereas energy measures could have an abatement potential of over 80%. Alamoush et al [9] conducted a literature review on port decarbonisation focusing on the concept of port decarbonisation, the barriers that hinder progress, the pathways to implement decarbonisation measures, and the solutions to mitigate the barriers.…”

Comparative Evaluation of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Technologies Using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approaches

“…Moreover, by considering criteria such as operational efficiency, scalability, and compatibility with existing industrial processes, decision makers can identify costeffectiveness of CCUS technologies that align with broader economic objectives. 11 Furthermore, the environmental impact of CCUS technologies extends beyond GHGs reduction to encompass potential risks associated with CO 2 capture, transportation, and storage. 8 By evaluating criteria such as safety, leakage risk, and ecosystem integrity, stakeholders can ensure that CCUS projects are implemented to minimize negative environmental consequences and safeguard human health and ecological integrity.…”

“…Given the significant upfront capital costs associated with CCUS technology deployment, optimizing the selection of technologies and deployment pathways can help minimize investment risks and unlock new revenue streams through CCUS technologies. Moreover, by considering criteria such as operational efficiency, scalability, and compatibility with existing industrial processes, decision makers can identify cost-effectiveness of CCUS technologies that align with broader economic objectives . Furthermore, the environmental impact of CCUS technologies extends beyond GHGs reduction to encompass potential risks associated with CO 2 capture, transportation, and storage .…”