Sustainable Logistics Practices and Seaport Operational Efficiency in the Maritime Sector: A Literature Review

Abstract

This study examines sustainable logistics practices and seaport operational efficiency in the maritime sector. The study employed a qualitative research design for the review. The study used a systematic literature review of 255 peer-reviewed studies sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, and IEEE databases. The study then utilised PRISMA 2020 framework for identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion processes for selecting 132 studies for the proper review. Using a thematic analysis supported by triangulation and saturation, the study identified emerging research trends associated with the shift from an infrastructure to a digitally & environmentally integrated paradigm within the maritime sector. The study revealed dominance themes across the reviewed studies, which include digital technologies, green energy, automation, green port infrastructures, and port-hinterland integration. The study further uncovered significant disparities across regions. Europe emphasised more on sustainability issues, East Asia emphasised more on technological innovation, while Africa regions focused on establishing the most basic logistics efficiencies. However, study uncovers a significant gap between the pace of technological advances and the current operational realities of logistics operations in developing economies. Also, the study revealed lack of empirical evidence and real-world application in sustainable logistics practices. Hence, the study recommends greater emphasis on real-world implementation, and empirical evidence to bridge existing gaps and enhance global applicability of sustainable logistics practices in the maritime sector.