Future-Proofing Maritime Logistics and Port Management: Sustainability in the Era of Tech Innovation, Climate Goals, and Global Disruption

Dear Colleagues,

We invite you to contribute original research papers to a forthcoming Special Issue dedicated to Sustainable Maritime, Logistics and Supply Chain Management. This Special Issue will advance scholarly discourse and practical insights on the evolving landscape of sustainability in maritime and logistics sectors.

The maritime and logistics sectors are foundational to global trade and economic development. Their operations directly influence the achievement of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in areas such as climate action (SDG 13), life below water (SDG 14), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). These sectors are not only enablers of sustainable development but also bear significant responsibility for mitigating environmental impacts and promoting inclusive growth.

Considering the increasing complexity and urgency of sustainability challenges, this Special Issue seeks to encourage interdisciplinary research that addresses both current and emerging issues in sustainable maritime and logistics management. We welcome contributions that explore innovative solutions, theoretical advancements, and empirical analyses related to the following themes:

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environment and Social Governance (ESG) Commitments: Integrating social, environmental, and governance principles into maritime and logistics operations and decision-making;
• Emissions Management and Regulations: Responses to evolving international frameworks such as the IMO’s Net-Zero GHG Strategy and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII);
• Application of Digitalisation and Smart Technologies: The role of digital transformation, smart ports, and autonomous vessels in enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability;
• Effect of Geopolitical Tensions on Sustainability: Implications of global conflicts and trade disruptions on maritime routes and logistics resilience;
• Resilience and Sustainability: Strategies for building robust, adaptive, and sustainable supply chains in the face of systemic shocks;
• Workforce Transformation: Preparing maritime and logistics professionals for the digital economy through education, training, and inclusive workforce policies;
• Sustainable development in transitional economies: Addressing sustainable development from the perspective of transitional economies with limited resources.

We encourage submissions from various disciplines including maritime economics, logistics management, supply chain management, operations research, public policy, and international relations.

Both theoretical and applied research papers are welcome, as are case studies, reviews, and methodological contributions. All submissions will undergo a rigorous peer-review process to ensure that they meet the highest academic standards.

We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions, which will help to enhance sustainability and shape the sustainable future of the maritime and logistics sectors. For submission guidelines and deadlines, please refer to the journal’s website or contact the editorial team directly.

Thank you for your commitment to advancing sustainability through research and innovation.

Warm regards,

Dr. Hong-Oanh (Owen) Nguyen
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• sustainable development
• sustainability policy
• sustainable transition
• decarbonization
• green shipping technologies
• smart ports
• geopolitical risk management
• workforce transformation
• corporate social responsibility (CSR)
• environmental, social, and governance (ESG)
• digitalisation
• automation