Applications of sustainable practices in maritime logistics sector

Abstract

Maritime logistics is a cornerstone of international trade, yet the transition toward sustainable operations remains difficult, especially in developing and emerging economies. Although many global studies discuss green technologies and regulatory initiatives, there is still limited understanding of how these ideas are implemented in regions of the Global South and what obstacles they face. Typical challenges include high capital requirements, fragmented or unstable regulatory environments, and insufficient infrastructure to support sustainable technologies. This study conducts a systematic examination of how sustainable practices are applied within the maritime logistics sector. It pursues four objectives: (1) to identify and classify the barriers that influence the application of sustainable practices; (2) to map the indicators used to evaluate the extent of sustainability adoption; (3) to review trends and descriptive patterns in the implementation of sustainable practices; and (4) to uncover major research gaps in the existing literature. A systematic literature review (SLR) was carried out following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, covering 43 peer-reviewed publications issued between 2015 and 2025. The review shows that financial constraints, technological and operational limitations, and regulatory issues are the most frequently reported barriers to sustainable practices in maritime logistics. It also highlights key performance indicators such as reductions in carbon emissions, improvements in energy efficiency, and the uptake of renewable energy as central measures of sustainable performance. Moreover, the findings point to an increasing emphasis on digitalization, cleaner energy solutions, and other green technologies, particularly in large port settings. Overall, the study offers an integrated picture of current sustainable practices in maritime logistics and outlines directions for future research aimed at strengthening the sector’s transition toward more sustainable operations across different regions.