Longitudinal Analysis of Sustainability at European Seaports

One of the main objectives of EU transport policy has been to limit the negative environmental impacts of ports. This paper examines how European seaports aim to enhance the sustainability of their operations. The methodology combines a literature review on sustainability targets, particularly in European ports, with an analysis of the websites of the ten largest European container ports. The website review was conducted twice: in 2019 and in 2024. This longitudinal study of sustainability-focused developments in ports offers new perspectives for analysing the evolution of sustainable supply chain management in the maritime industry. Based on the website reviews, ports now place greater emphasis on the sustainability of their operations, although notable differences remain between ports. This study provides practical guidelines for ports to better integrate sustainability into their operations and leverage its benefits when attracting new customers. According to the sustainability reports, ports primarily focus on measures to mitigate climate change; however, efforts to improve energy efficiency have declined. Overall, the research approach of this study is distinctive, and the findings aim to address gaps in the current literature from an alternative perspective.