Reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions at Ports: The Need for New Governance Approaches

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Abstract

Ports are major economic clusters and occupy a central position in global supply chain networks. Notwithstanding the significant economic benefits that can be associated with ports, their geographic characteristics, proximity to industrial and urban conglomerates, and role in transport networks also make them a site of significant negative environmental impacts. The impact of ports on the environment and how to reduce this impact without compromising the economic benefits of port activities have raised considerable scientific and policy interest. In addition, more and more attention has been paid to the carbon footprint of ports over the past decade. While direct port activities, such as cargo operations, may be limited in terms of carbon emissions compared to other industries, emissions from the entire port cluster can be significant. In addition, given the centrality of ports to global transport chains, and in particular to the production, distribution, and use of fuels, there has been growing interest in the role that ports, and with them port management companies (PMCs), can play in accelerating the development of a low-carbon economy. This paper provides some reflections on the strategic significance of this development in Europe and shows how the current green focus is the result of a decades-long process intertwined with and shaped by economic and historical events. The paper concludes by asking whether port governance systems, which evolved with the primary goal of promoting economic efficiency, need to be revised in light of the increasing significance of environmental and societal challenges, and especially as a result of the climate crisis.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationKeeping the Focus on Sustainability : A Challenge for Governance. Liber Amicorum Presented to Prof-dr. Harry Geerlings
Number of pages18
Place of PublicationRotterdam
PublisherErasmus University Rotterdam
Publication date2023
Pages168-185
ISBN (Print)9789075289718
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Keywords

  • Port management
  • Sustainability
  • Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
  • Energy transition

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