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Sustainable Maritime Supply Chain

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 22916

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Christa Sys

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Guest Editor

Department of Transport and Regional Economics C-MAT, TPR, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium
Interests: maritime economics and maritime supply chains

Prof. Dr. Alessio Tei

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Guest Editor

Department of Economics and Business, Italian Centre of Excellence on Integrated Logistics, University of Genoa, 16126 Genova, Italy
Interests: infrastructure appraisal; maritime economics; port regulation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Moving toward a collaborative and cooperative maritime ecosystem has been the topic of discussion for a while now—to the point that for maritime supply actors, co-innovation should by now be the new normal. In order to manage end-to-end integration of maritime supply chain processes, thus, each stakeholder needs to control their maritime supply chain (i.e., reduce uncertainty) and create value (e.g., cost reduction) for every actor involved in the sustainable ecosystem with the aim of better serving their customers. Given this context, technological challenges (e.g., different standards, interoperability, cybersecurity, and energy consumption) need to be faced from a logistic corridor point of view, in order to guarantee the highest advantages for all the involved actors. A cooperative ecosystem is a step further in creating a maritime supply chain ecosystem or network, and ad hoc initiatives should be replaced by more structural strategies. Moving toward a collaborative and cooperative ecosystem is thus the next logical step that should be initiated by maritime supply chain actors to enable innovation and to build a new competitive edge. From an industrial economic perspective, this trend of (maritime) actors to band together platform-enabled ecosystems can leverage their strengths and competitiveness (Sys and Vanelslander, 2020). Moreover, the debated energy transition in the maritime ecosystem can become successful only if life cycle assessments and the logistics involved in energy production (e.g., smart grids) and delivery are taken into account. Thus, the implementation of a cooperative ecosystem is paramount in order to achieve the needed sustainable goals.

The problem is that a lot of companies lack the support for (external) collaborative interactions with other/all actors in the maritime supply chain. Despite this, the creation of a maritime ecosystem might generate an increase in capacity through smoother operations—and an improved management of potential bottlenecks—without any further physical infrastructure investment. This Special Issue aims to gather new academic research, sharing their vision on how to evolve to a collaborative and cooperative maritime ecosystem, which is also resilient to disruptions. This is in line with UN SDG 17 ‘partnership’ but also UN SDG 13 ‘Climate change’ and SDG 9 ‘Industry, innovation and Infrastructure’. We are searching for high-quality studies addressing this issue.

The papers to be included shall focus on aspects of the collaborative and cooperative maritime ecosystem through different viewpoints—from deep-sea/shortsea shipping carriers to port and hinterland operators (road, rail, and inland navigation) and data planning aiming at optimizing the logistic corridor (e.g., synchromodality). The aim is to select papers from different disciplines such as maritime economics, legal, management, etc. (IT), as the goal of this Special Issue is to encourage multidisciplinary research and provide input for a long-term maritime ecosystem vision.

The invitation is open to any potential candidates interested in publishing work on the SI topic. Selected papers will be invited to participate to the Special Issue, and all papers will enjoy a 50% discount in respect to the normal article process charge. The authors of outstanding papers presented at the SIG-A2 Conference (5–7 May 2021, Antwerp) will be invited to submit their contribution to the SI free of charge.

We look forward to receiving your papers.

Prof. Dr. Christa Sys
Prof. Dr. Alessio Tei
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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.

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Keywords

Maritime supply chains
Maritime supply chain integration
Maritime ecosystem
Sustainable transport (or logistics) networks
Data-driven decision making
Integrated freight transport network (road, rail, inland navigation, pipeline)
Intelligent systems
Maritime ecosystem innovation (physical internet)

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

30 pages, 8151 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Port Access Fluidity Management during a Major Extension Project: A Simulation-Based Case Study

by Bechir Ben Daya and Jean-François Audy

Sustainability 2024, 16(7), 2834; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072834 - 28 Mar 2024

Viewed by 364

Abstract

The increasing demand for freight services and the use of larger vessels to meet this demand has led to challenges related to storage space and logistics activities, highlighting the need for improvements in port infrastructure for better logistics management. At a crucial phase in its growth, the Port of Trois-Rivières in Canada is planning a major expansion, including the construction of a new terminal to enhance its hosting capacities and freight services. This expansion faces potential access congestion problems during the planned construction, exacerbated by the port’s urban setting. In response to the needs identified by the port authorities for this event, the study’s objective is to assess the implications of increased construction and freight truck flows on access gate fluidity and the impact of additional access infrastructure investment to mitigate potential congestion. These evaluations aim to define effective access management strategies throughout the construction period of the new terminal. To address these complexities, our approach is based on scenario analysis in variants co-constructed with the partner. These scenarios are evaluated using simulation models, configured according to parameters calibrated with a granularity that allows congestion detection. The results enabled an evaluation of the capability of existing and potential gates to manage access. Subsequently, recommendations were shaped in accordance with the expected objectives to manage access traffic effectively. These recommendations concern the optimization of construction activity planning, the layout and planning of access, and the importance of enhanced collaboration between municipal and port authorities for more controlled road traffic management. Recognizing the importance of synchromodality, road network centrality management, and the outsourcing of capacity through inter-port cooperation and with dry ports to manage congestion, these tools will be discussed in this work. The study proposes an approach that reconciles scientific rigor with the implementation constraints of the proposed solutions, allowing this study wider applicability in various port contexts facing challenges in this field of study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Maritime Supply Chain)

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18 pages, 24251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimal Ship Fuel Selection under Life Cycle Uncertainty

by Jesper Zwaginga, Benjamin Lagemann, Stein Ove Erikstad and Jeroen Pruyn

Sustainability 2024, 16(5), 1947; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16051947 - 27 Feb 2024

Viewed by 464

Abstract

Shipowners need to prepare for low-emission fuel alternatives to meet the IMO 2050 goals. This is a complex problem due to conflicting objectives and a high degree of uncertainty. To help navigate this problem, this paper investigates how methods that take uncertainty into account, like robust optimization and stochastic optimization, could be used to address uncertainty while taking into account multiple objectives. Robust optimization incorporates uncertainty using a scalable measure of conservativeness, while stochastic programming adds an expected value to the objective function that represents uncertain scenarios. The methods are compared by applying them to the same dataset for a Supramax bulk carrier and taking fuel prices and market-based measures as uncertain factors. It is found that both offer important insights into the impact of uncertainty, which is an improvement when compared to deterministic optimization, that does not take uncertainty into account. From a practical standpoint, both methods show that methanol and LNG ships allow a cheap but large reduction in emissions through the use of biofuels. More importantly, even though there are limitations due to the parameter range assumptions, ignoring uncertainty with respect to future fuels is worse as a starting point for discussions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Maritime Supply Chain)

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27 pages, 11973 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Heavy-Duty Trucking in a Non-Containerized Port through Simulation-Based Methods

by Afef Lagha, Bechir Ben Daya and Jean-François Audy

Sustainability 2024, 16(5), 1904; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16051904 - 26 Feb 2024

Viewed by 591

Abstract

Seaports are perceived as multimodal hubs of the logistics supply chain where various transport modes intersect to exchange goods shipped by vessels. Increasing trade and capacity constraints are making this area a major contributor to GHG emissions. National and regional decision-makers perceive port sustainability as a concern while planning GHG mitigation projects. However, to plan and conduct successful GHG management programs, it is critical to first develop an appropriate assessment approach that fits well with the operating and geographical context of the given port. For heavy-duty trucking activities taking place within such ports, several models and methodologies for assessing GHG emissions are available, but their generalization is challenging for many reasons, notably because of the specific features of traffic within the port. Therefore, this paper presents an assessment model for heavy-duty trucking emissions within a non-containerized port based on an in-depth study of the traffic per port zone and on parameters drawn from several real data sources. The GHG model based on road traffic profiles by zone is implemented in a simulation model for emission evaluation and prediction. The output shows the pattern of GHG emissions by zone and provides an outlook on how decision-makers could achieve a GHG reduction plan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Maritime Supply Chain)

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21 pages, 841 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hazard Identification of Hydrogen-Based Alternative Fuels Onboard Ships

by Erin van Rheenen, Evelien Scheffers, Jesper Zwaginga and Klaas Visser

Sustainability 2023, 15(24), 16818; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152416818 - 13 Dec 2023

Viewed by 704

Abstract

It is essential to use alternative fuels if we are to reach the emission reduction targets set by the IMO. Hydrogen carriers are classified as zero-emission, while having a higher energy density (including packing factor) than pure hydrogen. They are often considered as safe alternative fuels. The exact definition of what safety entails is often lacking, both for hydrogen carriers as well as for ship safety. The aim of this study is to review the safety of hydrogen carriers from two perspectives, investigating potential connections between the chemical and maritime approaches to safety. This enables a reasoned consideration between safety aspects and other design drivers in ship design and operation. The hydrogen carriers AB, NaBH

_{4}

, KBH

_{4}

and two LOHCs (NEC and DBT) are taken into consideration, together with a couple reference fuels (ammonia, methanol and MDO). After the evaluation of chemical properties related to safety and the scope of the current IMO safety framework, it can be concluded that safety remains a vague and non-explicit concept from both perspectives. Therefore, further research is required to prove the safe application of hydrogen carriers onboard ships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Maritime Supply Chain)

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21 pages, 874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Creating Innovation in Achieving Sustainability: Halal-Friendly Sustainable Port

by Harlina Suzana Jaafar, Mona Leza Abd Aziz, Muhammad Razif Ahmad and Nasruddin Faisol

Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13339; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313339 - 02 Dec 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3133

Abstract

The expansion of liberalized trade has forced companies to consider the global market demand to stay competitive. Hence, ports have started to embrace sustainability practices in their activities throughout port operations. Various research has suggested that there is more innovation when sustainability is adopted as an integral part of their business activities. This study established a halal-friendly sustainable port concept and its implementation in meeting the objectives of sustainability practices to boost innovation. To embed sustainability within port organizations, it is vital to create an organizational culture that supports innovation and integrative thinking. Based on the qualitative data obtained from 38 port stakeholders in the southern of Malaysia, the respondents supported a halal-friendly sustainable port as a potential innovation in meeting the objectives of the sustainable practices. Four components that were found crucial for the proposed framework reflect the novelty of the research and its successful implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Maritime Supply Chain)

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17 pages, 1325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Value Creation for Sustainability in Port: Perspectives of Analysis and Future Research Directions

by Marcella De Martino

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12268; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112268 - 06 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2645

Abstract

The paper offers a theoretical advancement on sustainable port development strategies adopting a relational perspective, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and stakeholder interaction in achieving sustainable value creation. It provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of value creation, highlighting its evolution and the different perspectives of analysis in business model research: the conventional value creation perspective, where customers and suppliers are considered key stakeholders in the supply chain, and the sustainability-oriented one, which extends value creation processes to other stakeholders, such as civil society, policy makers, financial stakeholders, and employees. Based on the main gaps of the literature review and drawing on the previous progress on the sustainable business model, this paper develops a theoretical framework, which structures the relationships between the port business operator and its stakeholders at two interconnected levels: the supply chain and the institutional environment. These levels identify core value creation activities and resources, relational governance models, and the value created with and for different stakeholders. However, its implementation opens new avenues for future research that are currently lacking in port research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Maritime Supply Chain)

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13 pages, 16436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainability Performance of Port Infrastructure—A Case Study of a Quay Wall

by Poonam Taneja, Godert van Rhede van der Kloot and Mark van Koningsveld

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11932; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111932 - 28 Oct 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2257

Abstract

Ports form a vital link in the global maritime supply chain, and adherence to the UN sustainable goals in each port development and operation is all-important. Improving the sustainability performance of port infrastructure requires identifying all relevant aspects of sustainability, defining suitable performance measures, applying tools for quantification, and proposing intervention measures if needed. We present a framework for assessing and managing the sustainability performance of port infrastructure incorporating these elements. We apply the framework to quay walls in the Port of Rotterdam (PoR); however, the information to assess only four out of fourteen sustainability themes was available. This fact underlines the need for sustainability monitoring and reporting. We also present a case study of a quay wall in PoR. Based on the vision of PoR and literature, the sustainability theme ‘air pollutants’ was given priority, the selected performance measure being the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Dubocalc was chosen as a quantification tool and estimated a total emission of 1.9 kt of CO₂eq for a 100-m length of quay wall over a 100-year lifecycle. The measures proposed to achieve climate neutrality in 2050 include using renewable energy for the Impressed Current Cathodic Protection and the temporary drainage systems, electrified transport and machinery, hydrogen as dredging fuel, and steel with hydrogen as a reduction-agent in the future. These could result in a total GHG reduction of 86% by the year 2050. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Maritime Supply Chain)

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34 pages, 2373 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Behavioural Biases Distorting the Demand for Environmentally Friendly Freight Transport Modes: An Overview and Potential Measures

by Verena Maria Stockhammer, Sarah Pfoser, Karin Markvica, Jürgen Zajicek and Matthias Prandtstetter

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11783; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111783 - 25 Oct 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2714

Abstract

A basic assumption of many scientific theories on the topic of decision making is rational behaviour. However, previous authors assume the existence of behavioural biases in freight transport which impede rational decision making. Hardly any research exists on behavioural biases in freight transport. To address this gap, we carry out a systematic literature review on the influencing factors of freight mode choice and provide empirical evidence for the occurrence of behavioural biases in the logistics sector. Fifteen logistics service providers and six shippers are involved in interviews and a focus group to understand their mode choice process and derive information on the existence of behavioural biases. Several biases showed to exist in the practical decision-making process. For example, decision makers tend to avoid complex options (principle of least effort), they stick to already tried and tested options (status quo bias, zero-risk bias) and they tend to make decisions based on immediate and easily accessible information (availability bias). These biases distort the demand for sustainable freight transport. We therefore conclude with several motivational, cognitive and technological debiasing strategies to reduce the negative impact of behavioural biases in freight transport. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Maritime Supply Chain)

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17 pages, 3433 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Innovative Simulation Agent-Based Model for the Combined Sea-Road Transport as a DSS

by Alessandra Renna, Marco Petrelli, Stefano Carrese and Riccardo Bertocci

Sustainability 2021, 13(19), 10773; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131910773 - 28 Sep 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1974

Abstract

This research proposes an innovative approach to evaluate modal shift from the road-only to the combined sea-road transport in order to implement new policies and introduce a Decision Support System (DSS) for the transportation planner’s decision. The impact of these is carried out by using an innovative simulation tool which has the capability to simulate the real choice process of all stakeholders involved, specifically modelling the freight forwarder’s point of view. The model runs as a single-agent based simulation which uses a multimodal network with detailed zoning. The simulation tool, capable of simulating the assignment of the whole network simultaneously, consists of a path choice model and a mode choice model for each o/d pair considered, establishing o/d pairs suitable and not suitable for modal shift. Three policies have been designed and tested through the simulation tool with an application in the Italian context: (1) internalization of the external costs of heavy vehicles; (2) introduction of a bonus for shipping companies; (3) design of new Ro-Ro services. The most affecting policy concerns an increase of speed of some Ro-Ro services to 22 kn, proposing a good balance between the navigation costs and the potential demand attracted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Maritime Supply Chain)

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14 pages, 5325 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Integrated Methodology for the Multi-Objective Optimization of Port Railway Capacity: The Case Study of the Port of Trieste

by Caterina Caramuta, Giovanni Longo, Teresa Montrone and Carlo Poloni

Sustainability 2021, 13(19), 10490; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131910490 - 22 Sep 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1829

Abstract

The relevant pressure exerted on ports following the advent of globalization and containerization has contributed to transform the role of such intermodal transport facilities, increasing their complexity with reference to both performed activities and involved actors. The potential of solid hinterland connections in enhancing port competitiveness has sustained the larger embracement of the railway mode, which has proved to be a financially and environmentally sustainable solution, especially on long hauls. However, the limited residual capacity currently characterizing several railway network and nodes may threaten the accommodation of additional future traffic volumes and, thus, it requires the adoption of a coordinated strategy to more efficiently manage existing railway infrastructures, other than the realization of some new ones. In this regard, an integrated methodology has been developed to specifically model, simulate and optimize port railway processes, as part of a more complex system, imposing the maximization of capacity with the concurrent minimization of used shunting locomotives, to varying of infrastructural and operational conditions. This combination of techniques has been applied to the case study of the Port of Trieste, Italy, showing the greater influence of tracks availability over changes in the operational conditions, in terms of a shorter duration of specific administrative tasks and the employment of more shunting locomotives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Maritime Supply Chain)

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21 pages, 1961 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Research and Innovation in Europe for the Decarbonisation of Waterborne Transport

by Monica Grosso, Fabio Luis Marques dos Santos, Konstantinos Gkoumas, Marcin Stępniak and Ferenc Pekár

Sustainability 2021, 13(18), 10447; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131810447 - 19 Sep 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2187

Abstract

Waterborne transport contributes to around 14% of the overall greenhouse gas emissions of transport in the European Union and it is among the most efficient modes of transport. Nonetheless, considering the aim of making the European Union carbon-neutral by 2050 and the fundamental role of waterborne transport within the European economy, effort is needed to reduce its environmental impact. This paper provides an assessment of research and innovation measures aiming at decreasing waterborne transport’s CO₂ emissions by assessing European projects based on the European Commission’s Transport Research and Innovation Monitoring and Information System (TRIMIS). Additionally, it provides an outlook of the evolution of scientific publications and intellectual property activity in the area. The review of project findings suggests that there is no single measure which can be considered as a problem solver in the area of the reduction of waterborne CO₂ emissions, and only the combination of different innovations should enable reaching this goal. The highlighted potential innovations include further development of lightweight composite materials, innovative hull repair methods, wind assisted propulsion, engine efficiency, waste heat electrification, hydrogen and alternative fuels. The assessment shows prevalence of funding allocated to technological measures; however, non-technological ones, like improved vessel navigation and allocation systems, also show a great potential for the reduction of CO₂ emissions and reduction of negative environmental impacts of waterborne transport. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Maritime Supply Chain)

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20 pages, 2027 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study into the Availability, Costs and GHG Reduction in Drop-In Biofuels for Shipping under Different Regimes between 2020 and 2050

by Douwe F. A. van der Kroft and Jeroen F. J. Pruyn

Sustainability 2021, 13(17), 9900; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179900 - 03 Sep 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2348

Abstract

In this study, various scenarios were developed that correspond to estimations of future biomass availability and biofuel demand from the maritime industry. These marine biofuel demand scenarios were based on the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction targets of the Renewable Energy Directive II (RED II) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). A multi-objective Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) model was developed which is used to optimize the Well-to-Tank (WtT) phases of each studied scenario. This resulted in an overview of the most feasible use of feedstocks, deployment of new conversion technologies and trade flows between regions. Additionally, the results provided insight into the costs and emission reduction potential of marine biofuels. By analyzing the results from this study, improved insight into the potential of drop-in biofuels for reaching the proposed emission reduction targets for the maritime sector was developed. A trade-off between costs and emissions was found to result in potential GHG reductions between 68–95% compared to Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) for 800–2300 EUR/ton. More specifically, 80% GHG reduction compared to HFO can be achieved at fuel costs of between 900–1050 EUR/ton over the studied time period. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Maritime Supply Chain)

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