KPIs for Port Decarbonization and Digitalization:A Lightweight Methodology for Assessing Port Innovations

Research output: Contribution to conferenceConference articleScientific

Abstract

Purpose
The maritime industry is undergoing a transformative shift towards decarbonization and digitalization to reduce emissions and enhance efficiency. This transition underlines the need to review and revise the key performance indicators (KPIs) in ports to align with the increasing requirements towards greener and more digitalized logistics chains.

Design
This paper presents a lightweight methodology for assessing performance and innovations aimed at port decarbonization and digitalization. By developing a multi-factor assessment framework, we consider the key dimensions of productivity, environmental sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Ultimately, this study aims at providing a holistic understanding of the stakeholder-driven KPI development that is needed for meeting the future demands in ports. This is to be achieved by examining the results from a participatory workshop where port actors linked relevant KPIs to specific stakeholders.

Findings
Our findings offer practical insights for port actors on adopting feasible KPIs to evaluate innovations. Various stakeholder-specific priorities, cross-cutting KPIs, and conflicting drivers are found. The results demonstrate the need for customizable assessment frameworks based on varying drivers of different stakeholders.

Research limitations
The main limitation of this study lies in the limited sample size and the absence of quantitative validation or testing. Future research should aim to address these aspects to strengthen the framework’s applicability.

Practical implications
The proposed lightweight assessment framework provides adjustable and stakeholder-driven approach to performance measurement.

Value
This paper provides valuable insights for port stakeholders aiming to assess their performance amid increasing demands for decarbonization and digitalization.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages13
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2025
MoE publication typeNot Eligible
Event37th Annual NOFOMA Conference: Guiding Transformational Change in Logistics and Supply Chain Management - Copenhagen Business School, Copenhagen, Denmark
Duration: 10 Jun 202512 Jun 2025
Conference number: 37
https://www.tilmeld.dk/nofoma2025

Conference

Conference37th Annual NOFOMA Conference
Abbreviated titleNOFOMA
Country/TerritoryDenmark
CityCopenhagen
Period10/06/2512/06/25
Internet address

Funding

This research is part of the Business Finland-funded co-innovation project BESPORT (Digitalization and decarbonization for business and environmentally sustainable ports), funding decision number 2512/31/2023.

Keywords

  • KPIs
  • key performance indicators
  • seaports
  • decarbonization
  • digitalization

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