Review article
The Analysis on Sustainable Maritime Supply Chains and Port Operations in Main European Ports
Cinthia Pavat
orcid.org/0009-0005-6982-0394
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Economics and Business, Rijeka, Croatia
Helga Pavlić Skender
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Economics and Business, Rijeka, Croatia
Petra Adelajda Zaninović
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Economics and Business, Rijeka, Croatia
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This paper highlights the importance of smart port technologies in optimizing operations and reducing
gas emissions in major European ports. It analyzes the implementation of technologies such as
automation, AI, IoT, Digital Twin, and Big Data in five major ports – Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges,
Hamburg, Valencia, and Piraeus – and their contributions to reducing CO₂ emissions and improving
efficiency. Through comparative analysis, the paper examines how these innovations support faster
vessel turnaround, supply chain transparency, predictive maintenance, and real-time emissions
tracking. The methodology is based on the analysis of secondary data. The paper uses synthesis to
integrate diverse data, description to explain specific technology applications, and comparison to
assess similarities and differences between ports. Findings indicate that smart technologies positively
impact throughput, cost efficiency, and emission reduction. However, the extent of the impact varies
due to factors such as port size, local context, and technological maturity.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
346315
URI
Publication date:
14.4.2026.
Visits: 146 *