On flexibility and sustainability in container ports

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to link flexibility and sustainable advantages together in the context of container harbors. First, a definition of the flexibility concept, its dimensions and metrics are given; second, a discussion of the relation between flexibility, multimodality and sustainability is conducted. It is argued that multimodal transportation adds value into the whole supply chain and thus is an enabler for flexibility. However, there is an increase in environmental challenges which should be addressed proactively throughout the whole supply chain. Third, some measures that increase the container port's sustainability are described; and last, the case of Narvik container harbor is outlined.

Conceptual Model Development of Sustainability Practices: The Case of Port Operations for Collaboration and Governance

“…Accordingly, integrating the consideration of sustainability into all activities in and around a port is part of an aim to be a sustainable and efficient port. Annual sustainability reports published on port websites suggest guidelines and strategic advice towards port sustainability to address issues related to sustainable port operations and development with economic, social and environmental considerations [25][26][27]. The suggested issues for "best practises" include: operational efficiency, safety and security in a port, cooperation and communication, monitoring and upgrading port facilities, and environmental management systems.…”

“…In addition, based on thematic analysis, prior study [2] clustered the relevant practises into four sub-dimensions incorporating environmental technologies, continual monitoring and upgrading, internal process improvement, and cooperation and communication. Hakam and Solvang [27] analyzed interdependency between sustainability and flexibility, and argued that flexibility in port operation can enhance sustainability endeavours. The suggested measures in port operations include improving the port's multimodal interface, tracking and coordinating of freight movements through IT, reducing the vessel's turnaround time, increasing labour flexibility through motivation and cross-training, and providing incentives to supply chain actors to cooperate in order to achieve higher flexibility for the overall network.…”

Nordic Container Port Sustainability Performance—A Conceptual Intelligent Framework

“…Reference [30] proposed a two-stage, internal and external, integration approach to measuring port performance with emphasis on the qualitative aspects in order to increase visibility within the port settings and along the transport chain, thus a better supply chain and logistics actors' integration. This lean methodology extends to the port networking environment and requires increasing flexibility which will subsequently increase the port's sustainability [31].…”

Improve the Energy Efficiency of the Cooling System by Slide Regulating the Capacity of Refrigerator Compressors

“…In the meat industries, the energy demand to produce industrial refrigeration can represent a very important percentage of the energy consumption, generally higher than 50%. There are studies that have been carried out [5][6][7] to evaluate the response of the demand of different sectors (mainly for commercial and industrial sectors), where flexibility has traditionally been related to the capacity of a system to adapt itself to production changes [8,9] or it can absorb these changes depending on any of the system entities or the external environment [10]. Optimizing and improving energy demand in refrigeration can be an important point to achieve in this type of industry.…”