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NEXUS International Conference: Digital and Green Transition in Maritime Ports: Trends and Challenges—DGTMP 2024

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Transportation".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 September 2025 | Viewed by 7030

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Vitor Caldeirinha

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Guest Editor
Departamento de Marketing e Logística, Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, 2900 Setúbal, Portugal
Interests: port and shipping governance; green shipping and governance; innovation; green logistics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Maria Teresa Folgôa Batista

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Guest Editor
MED-Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, Instituto de Investigação e Formação Avançada, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal
Interests: geospatial intelligence; sustainability; circular economy; carbon footprint; GIS; landscape ecology
Prof. Dr. Tiago Pinho

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Guest Editor
Department of Marketing and Logistics, Setubal Polithecnical Institut, 2900 Setúbal, Portugal
Interests: supply chain; sustainable supply chain; maritime logistics
Dr. João Correia

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Guest Editor
CISUC, Department of Informatics Engineering, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: evolutionary computation; generative models; evolutionary machine learning; adversarial learning; computational creativity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In today's maritime and logistics industry, ports play a crucial role in global trade and commerce. However, they face significant challenges, such as the need for modernization, increased efficiency, and sustainability. Addressing these challenges is a priority and a responsibility we must undertake to ensure the future viability of our maritime infrastructure. Experts advocate for the integration of innovative technologies and practices to enhance port operations, security, and environmental sustainability.

One effective approach to tackling these challenges is to focus on creating smart and sustainable ports. This involves leveraging digital tools like open data platforms and digital twins to optimize operations and infrastructure management. By doing so, ports can achieve a balance between efficiency and environmental responsibility, ensuring that resources are utilized sustainably and that emissions are minimized—a prime example of sustainability in action.

In addition, cybersecurity and cyber-resilience have become paramount in safeguarding port operations against potential threats. As ports become more digitally interconnected, implementing robust cybersecurity measures is key to protect sensitive data and maintain operational integrity. Equally important is the energetic transition within ports and logistics operations, where adopting clean energy solutions can significantly reduce carbon footprints.

Training the next generation of maritime professionals is also vital. As the industry evolves, equipping the workforce with the skills and knowledge needed to operate in a technologically advanced environment ensures that they are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

Accordingly, we welcome submissions that aim to explore advanced solutions and innovative practices in port and logistics operations. We invite original research and reviews that contribute to the development and implementation of these critical advancements.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Open data platforms and marketplace in sea and dry ports;
  • Smart ports and logistics;
  • Digital twin and building information modeling (BIM)
  • Cybersecurity, cyber resilience, and 5G integration;
  • Sustainability and decarbonization in ports;
  • Energetic transition solutions for ports and logistics operations;
  • Training for the future in the maritime port area.

We encourage submissions that address these themes and propose new insights and strategies that can drive the maritime industry forward in a sustainable and secure manner.

Prof. Dr. Vitor Caldeirinha
Prof. Dr. Maria Teresa Folgôa Batista
Prof. Dr. Tiago Pinho
Dr. João Correia
Guest Editors

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.

Keywords

  • smart ports
  • smart logistics in ports
  • open data plataform
  • sustainability in ports
  • ports decarbonization
  • digital twin and BIM maritime ports
  • digital transition
  • green transition
  • energetic transition education and training
  • energetic development
  • sustainable development

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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28 pages, 9133 KiB  
Article
Semantic Segmentation of Corrosion in Cargo Containers Using Deep Learning
by David Ornelas, Daniel Canedo and António J. R. Neves
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6480; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146480 - 15 Jul 2025
Viewed by 220
Abstract
As global trade expands, the pressure on container terminals to improve efficiency and capacity grows. Several inspections are performed during the loading and unloading process to minimize delays. In this paper, we explore corrosion as it poses a persistent threat that compromises the [...] Read more.
As global trade expands, the pressure on container terminals to improve efficiency and capacity grows. Several inspections are performed during the loading and unloading process to minimize delays. In this paper, we explore corrosion as it poses a persistent threat that compromises the durability of containers and leads to costly repairs. However, identifying this threat is no simple task. Corrosion can take many forms, progress unpredictably, and be influenced by various environmental conditions and container types. In collaboration with the Port of Sines, Portugal, this work explores a potential solution for a real-time computer-vision system, with the aim to improve container inspections using deep-learning algorithms. We propose a system based on the semantic segmentation model, DeepLabv3+, for precise corrosion detection using images provided from the terminal. After preparing the data and annotations, we explored two approaches. First, we leveraged a pre-trained model originally designed for bridge corrosion detection. Second, we fine-tuned a version specifically for cargo container assessment. With a corrosion detection performance of 49%, this work showcases the potential of deep learning to automate inspection processes. It also highlights the importance of generalization and training in real-world scenarios and explores innovative solutions for smart gates and terminals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue NEXUS International Conference: Digital and Green Transition in Maritime Ports: Trends and Challenges—DGTMP 2024)
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26 pages, 3261 KiB  
Article
Data Storytelling and Decision-Making in Seaport Operations: A New Approach Based on Business Intelligence
by Marco Gonçalves, Cátia Salgado, Amaro de Sousa and Leonor Teixeira
Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010337 - 4 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2721
Abstract
Seaports are experiencing several challenges due to the explosive growth of the maritime shipping business, which has led to the need for digitalized operations and more effective solutions. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of the process used to create a reliable business [...] Read more.
Seaports are experiencing several challenges due to the explosive growth of the maritime shipping business, which has led to the need for digitalized operations and more effective solutions. This article provides a comprehensive exploration of the process used to create a reliable business intelligence solution by analyzing the container delivery and pick-up services flow in one of Portugal’s largest maritime container ports, using the CRISP-DM methodology. The solution, built with Microsoft Power BI®, provides the capability to identify and address data anomalies and present key performance indicators in visually dynamic dashboards. This solution empowers stakeholders to gain invaluable insights into the current and future operational status, thereby facilitating well-informed and adaptable decision-making, representing the main practical contributions. As a theoretical contribution, this study advances research by covering a gap in the literature and establishing the foundations for future business intelligence applications within the maritime industry, with a focus on addressing data dispersion challenges, enhancing logistics flow analysis, and reducing port congestion. The manuscript is structured into seven sections: introduction, literature review, port challenges, methodology, tool development, SWOT analysis, and conclusion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue NEXUS International Conference: Digital and Green Transition in Maritime Ports: Trends and Challenges—DGTMP 2024)
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29 pages, 6157 KiB  
Article
A Simulation Tool to Forecast the Behaviour of a New Smart Pre-Gate at the Sines Container Terminal
by Raquel Gil Pereira, Rui Borges Lopes, Ana Martins, Bernardo Macedo and Leonor Teixeira
Sustainability 2025, 17(1), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17010153 - 28 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1614
Abstract
Intelligent logistical systems are crucial for adapting to technological advancements and global supply chains, particularly at seaports. Automation can maximize port efficiency and adapt to changing circumstances, but port digitalisation is challenging due to the various parties and information flows involved. The port [...] Read more.
Intelligent logistical systems are crucial for adapting to technological advancements and global supply chains, particularly at seaports. Automation can maximize port efficiency and adapt to changing circumstances, but port digitalisation is challenging due to the various parties and information flows involved. The port of Sines in Portugal is undergoing a digital transformation, specifically about the Smart Gate concept. The port administration and partners have developed a pre-gate, which is being examined for operations, technologies, and information models. This work uses simulation to analyse the pre-gate model dynamically. The discrete-event simulation model, using Anylogic software (version 8.9.0), forecasts possible problems and predicts pre-gate behaviour, facilitating ongoing enhancement of pre-gate procedures. The considered scenarios vary in two factors: the processing time at the bottleneck process and the number of active lanes at the same point. Four of the twenty tested alternatives were identified as balanced. Results allow drawing conclusions on the number of lanes to be open to prevent congestion, particularly when processing times increase. The study highlights the benefits of simulating complex systems to improve operations. Future work could involve adjusting parameters, incorporating advanced optimisation techniques, and expanding evaluated metrics. The ultimate goal is to develop a reliable digital twin for the port. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue NEXUS International Conference: Digital and Green Transition in Maritime Ports: Trends and Challenges—DGTMP 2024)
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Review

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36 pages, 3998 KiB  
Review
Application of GIS in the Maritime-Port Sector: A Systematic Review
by Crismeire Isbaex, Francisco dos Reis Fernandes Costa and Teresa Batista
Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3386; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083386 - 10 Apr 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1393
Abstract
In port management, the integration of geographic information systems (GIS) is essential for geospatial analysis in a complex environment shaped by digitalisation and energy transition. Although the adoption of GIS and spatial data infrastructures (SDI) are growing, their use remains with challenges in [...] Read more.
In port management, the integration of geographic information systems (GIS) is essential for geospatial analysis in a complex environment shaped by digitalisation and energy transition. Although the adoption of GIS and spatial data infrastructures (SDI) are growing, their use remains with challenges in interoperability and collaborative data management. This study conducts a systematic review to identify the main publications from the past 10 years on the use of GIS and SDI in the maritime sector, using the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The results revealed an annual growth of 8.59% in scientific publications over the past decade, with a focus on environmental monitoring, machine learning, and digitalisation. The findings also suggest the limited use of SDI in the maritime sector, reinforcing the need for future research on interoperability and spatial data integration. Nevertheless, the main trends include the integration of GIS with machine learning, advanced spatial applications, and artificial intelligence, showing an increasing focus on sustainability, environmental monitoring, and innovative management systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue NEXUS International Conference: Digital and Green Transition in Maritime Ports: Trends and Challenges—DGTMP 2024)
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