Sustainable Solutions for Small/Medium Ports

Version	Summary	Created by	Modification	Content Size	Created at	Operation
1		Theocharis Tsoutsos	--	2050	2023-09-20 11:53:23	\|
2	format correct	Catherine Yang	Meta information modification	2050	2023-09-21 02:35:35	\|

This entry is adapted from the peer-reviewed paper 10.3390/jmse11091763

Ports are under increased pressure to reduce their negative climate and environmental impacts. Their roles and functions in transportation systems and the economy make them a key industry in promoting sustainability. In particular, small- and medium-sized ports (SMSPs) should serve as lighthouses or flagships of environmental and digital transformation, allowing access to remote locations and integrating peripheral regions.

small/medium ports sustainable port planning energy efficiency environmental pollution

1. Introduction

Over time, a new environment of activity for ports has been created. In today’s era, this is characterized as quite competitive, with a large capacity, bringing about significant structural changes ^[1]. Initially, the phenomenon of globalization of markets and, in general, the substantial growth in international trade, with the high demand for products, such as from various Asian countries to the rest of the world, as well as each other, in combination with both the modern needs of consumers and the development of combined transport (land, road, and sea) have resulted in significant investment in port infrastructure and superstructures ^[2]. At the same time, there have been changes due to rapid developments in technology, such as various information systems and technological changes to the ships themselves, such as their size, to make fewer trips by transporting more cargo, as well as specialization in specific markets, so that they can accept modern ships and new products ^[3]. As a result, ports are now complex enterprises with quite specialized modes of operation, requiring their continuous development and finding enough capital to create the right conditions to provide high-quality services in combination with an attractive package (cost savings, speed of transport, and cargo security) that responds to the requirements of the trade ^[4].

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly significant aspect of port effectiveness, and small/medium-sized ports (SMSPs) are no exception. SMSPs are essential for regional and local economies, since they facilitate commerce and transport ^[5]. In contrast, port operations can harm the environment and local population through air and water pollution, habitat destruction, and increased noise and traffic ^[6]. Sustainability planning is essential to maintain the long-term survival of SMSPs and advance sustainable development. By adopting a proactive sustainability posture, SMSPs can enhance their operations, minimize their environmental impact, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Numerous factors necessitate sustainability port planning, such as the worldwide trend toward sustainability, the increasing public awareness of the environmental impact of port activities, and the need to comply with legal requirements ^[7]. Nevertheless, many ports face formidable obstacles, such as limited resources, congestion, and air and water pollution. The ultimate objective of port sustainability planning is to guarantee that ports continue to service the demands of their customers, while preserving the environment for future generations.

Moreover, sustainability planning for SMSPs can provide significant social and community benefits, as well as environmental and economic benefits. SMSPs can improve the quality of life for nearby people by improving working conditions for port workers and supporting local communities. This can result in increased community engagement and support for the port and a positive reputation as a responsible and socially conscious entity.

Much research has been carried out to plan the sustainability of large ports. However, sustainable planning differs between small and large ports, as they face different challenges and obstacles. Some of these differences focus on the following issues: stakeholder engagement, funding, technical expertise, and technological implementation ^[8]^[9]. Furthermore, while several studies have focused on individual initiative solutions to sustainability problems ^[10], the literature needs to consider the sustainability-oriented planning approach for SMSPs.

The complexity of the sustainable planning of SMSPs over time has attracted the interest of many researchers ^[11], as developments and innovations in the field of transport and technology have had a direct impact, affecting and redefining the relationships between ports and the economic, social, and spatial systems to which they belong. The main obstacles to planning a small/medium port’s viability are the complexity of how it is administered, financed, and legislated. More specifically, SMSPs face unique challenges when it comes to implementing sustainable planning practices, including:

Limited resources: SMSPs often need more financial and personnel resources, making it difficult to invest in sustainable infrastructure and technology;
Competition with larger ports: SMSPs often face competition from larger ports, which may offer more attractive amenities and services, making it challenging to attract cargo and shipping businesses;
Environmental concerns: SMSPs are often located in environmentally sensitive areas and must consider their operations’ impact on the surrounding ecosystem;
Ageing infrastructure: SMSPs may have infrastructure that needs to be replaced or upgraded, which can be challenging due to limited resources;
Technological challenges: SMSPs may need more access to technology and technical expertise, to implement sustainable practices and modernize resources ^[12];
Lack of governmentsupport: SMSPs may receive less additional support and funding from government agencies than larger ports, making it difficult to implement sustainable practices.

2. Small/Medium Port Sustainability Planning

A thorough literature analysis of small/medium port sustainability planning should seek to consolidate existing research and best practices in this sector and propose areas for future study and action. In recent years, port sustainability planning has changed drastically, reflecting a greater understanding of port operations’ environmental and social implications and the rising significance of sustainable practices in the marine sector ^[13].

Developing integrated planning techniques that address a port’s interconnected physical, economic, and social components and the surrounding community is an essential research topic in small port sustainability planning ^[14]. These techniques strive to identify significant problems and possibilities for sustainability planning and to design comprehensive and integrated plans to address these concerns. For instance, research has investigated the use of systems thinking and integrated coastal management as approaches for sustainable port planning, which take into account the impact of the port on the surrounding environment, economy, and social fabric, as well as identifying interrelated factors that contribute to the sustainability of the port and the community ^[15].

The importance of stakeholder involvement and community participation is another crucial face of SMSPs. Developing sustainable port plans that represent the interests and goals of all stakeholders requires effective communication and collaboration among port officials, local enterprises, environmental groups, and community members ^[16]. This research area has used instruments such as public fora, stakeholder surveys, and community-based participatory procedures to solicit input and feedback from local citizens and engage the wider community in the sustainability planning process.

In addition, research has investigated the use of innovative and sustainable technologies for the planning and operations of small/medium ports, such as using renewable energy sources ^[17], implementing sustainable transportation systems, and adopting green infrastructure and land-use practices ^[18]. Some ports, for instance, have developed wind and solar energy systems to minimize their dependency on fossil fuels and have embraced sustainable mobility systems, such as electric trucks, to lessen the environmental impacts of travelling to the port ^[19].

SMSPs are taking a proactive approach to sustainability, recognizing that sustainable operations are an ethical imperative and a strategic business opportunity. Best practices and frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the World Ports Sustainability Program guide small ports in their planning for sustainability. The growing focus on stakeholder engagement and the implementation of specific measures and technologies, such as renewable energy sources and waste management programs, is helping small/medium ports to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to sustainable development ^[20]. The potential for digitalization and innovation in the maritime industry for enhancing sustainability is also significant and an area to watch for future results in port planning sustainability ^[21].

Small/medium ports play a significant role in the global supply chain and frequently act as vital links between local communities and businesses. In contrast, limited resources, access to technical expertise, and stakeholder engagement complicate implementing sustainable planning techniques for these ports. From the study of academic surveys, it emerged that there is a significant research gap in sustainable planning for small/medium ports, particularly in areas such as environmental impact assessment, energy efficiency, stakeholder engagement, and best practices, which are described as follows:

2.1. Environmental Impact Assessment

Long-term planning requires assessing the possible environmental implications of port growth and operations. This involves examining the environmental effect of maritime activities such as dredging and reclamation, as well as port facility design and function. Long-term planning approaches that limit environmental harm, while guaranteeing the port’s long-term survival, require a complete understanding of the environmental implications of port activities. While considerable research has been conducted in this area ^[22]^[23]^[24], much of it has focused on larger ports, thus creating a knowledge vacuum about the unique environmental implications of smaller port growth. SMSPs have not been able to analyze the possible environmental effects of their activities and apply sustainable planning techniques that are appropriate for their circumstances.

2.2. Energy Efficiency

Another crucial part of sustainable design is energy efficiency, which may lower the carbon footprint of port operations and the environmental effect of port activities ^[25]^[26]. When installing energy-efficient systems and infrastructure, SMSPs usually need more support, such as limited finances and access to technical knowledge. Consequently, SMSPs need help implementing new technology and best practices that increase their energy efficiency. Small port research is required to discover cost-effective and scalable solutions, to increase energy efficiency, minimize carbon footprints, and encourage sustainable practices.

2.3. Stakeholder Engagement

Effective stakeholder involvement is a vital component of sustainable planning, and it is essential for SMSPs, which are usually situated near local communities and companies ^[27]. As small port operations may substantially influence the lives of local communities and the environment, all stakeholders must be included in small port planning and development procedures. More study is required to understand how to engage and involve stakeholders in small port planning and development processes and guarantee that all stakeholders’ needs and concerns are met. This may assist in building confidence and support for long-term planning initiatives and encourage sustainable practices in the port.

2.4. Best or Most Suitable Practices

Finally, research on best practices and case studies of sustainable planning in SMSPs are necessary. This data could be used to identify and distribute successful examples of sustainable planning in SMSPs and to provide assistance and lessons learned to other SMSPs striving to implement sustainable planning methods. By exchanging knowledge about best practices and case studies ^[28], the port sector could promote sustainable practices, improve capacities, and guarantee that SMSPs are constructed and run appropriately.

Addressing these research gaps is crucial to ensure that SMSPs can be constructed and operated sustainably and to encourage sustainable practices in the port sector. New approaches to port planning are being developed, as local governments attempt to avoid the patchwork approaches of the past and design plans that facilitate a seamless transition to cleaner and more sustainable forms of transportation.

Various plans have been proposed for the transition of ports towards sustainability, such as the Environmental Port Energy Plan ^[29], Green Port Program, plans for environmental protection, climate protection, Climate Initiative, Pollution Prevention and Reduction Plan, Green Port Plan ^[30], and Clean Air Plans ^[31], aiming to promote balanced development. Furthermore, energy management appears to be a prominent tool for sustainable port planning, and a large portion of the literature on energy management refers to environmental management systems (EMS). While the European Seaports Agency (ESPO) encourages European ports to develop environmental management plans, only a portion has implemented EMS. Energy management plans serve as a precursor to port energy certification based on ISO 5001 and EN standards 16001, as well as the identification of various efficient energy measures and technologies that meet their specific needs.

Several ports have implemented sustainable planning practices and serve as good examples, such as

Port of Damietta, Egypt: It has implemented a comprehensive sustainability plan that includes renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power ^[32];
Port of Gijón, Spain: It focuses on economic and social sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to support local businesses and engage the community. For example, the port has developed a business incubation program to support local startups and has established a community engagement program to foster dialogue and collaboration with residents ^[33];
Port of Bar, Montenegro: This port focuses on the development of an inventory of existing equipment that includes detailed data on energy consumption and the compilation of a prioritized list of feasible and promising energy sustainability measures for the port as a whole, but also for specific areas/facilities (e.g., buildings, warehouses, storages, etc.) and operations/equipment (e.g., ship loading/unloading equipment, yard operations equipment, terminal vehicles) ^[34].

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Ioannis Argyriou

Theocharis Tsoutsos

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Update Date: 21 Sep 2023

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