Green port management practices for sustainable port operations: a multi method study of Asian ports

Ports pose a substantial portion of marine emissions, causing significant health and environmental risks. Providing profitable services in compliance with environmental regulations has become a significant challenge for port authorities. The idea of green port management practices (GPMP) has recently grown as an innovative method for balancing port economic growth with ecological issues. The study systematically reviewed the literature regarding the green port management model and identified an integrated set of drivers of GPMP for sustainable port operations. Besides, an empirical multiple case study methodology was adopted where twelve major Asian ports from developing and developed countries were investigated through a performance-based scoring measurement method based on their GPMP drivers’ implementation status. Finally, the study employed a quantitative fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory model (DEMATEL) to examine the interdependent cause-and-effect connections among the different green port drivers. The study reveals that Singapore is rated highest in green port implementation practices while the Port of Male (Maldives) was classified lowest among 12 Asian ports. Besides, Pollution Control Measures are the most significant driver having the highest influence on all drivers. Automation and digitalization have the most significant causal influence on all the drivers of GPMP, followed by environmental incentives and penalty pricing.