Table 5

Operational definitions of CCM sub-criteria across time horizons

Sub-criteriaGeneral descriptionShort-term focus (<10 Years)Long-term focus (20–25+ years)
Emission reduction commitment and target setting (M1)The extent to which ports establish formal GHG emission reduction targets and adopt institutional mechanisms to regularly review, update, and enforce these targets (Puig et al., 2024)Compliance baselines: Establishing baselines to meet immediate regulations (e.g. EEXI, CII)Net-zero pathways: Committing to absolute zero targets (e.g. 2050 Net-Zero) and strategic alignment
Regulatory emission control instruments (M2)The extent to which ports implement regulatory instruments, such as low-emission zones, to restrict high-emission activities (Park et al., 2018; Boriboonsomsin et al., 2023; Puig et al., 2024)Low emission zones (LEZ): Restricting oldest trucks/ships to cut local pollutionZero emission zones (ZEZ): Mandating zero-carbon fuels; banning fossil fuel engines entirely in specific zones
Economic incentives for emission reduction (M3)The extent to which ports apply market-based incentive mechanisms to encourage lower-emission technologies and practices (Puig et al., 2024)Fee discounts: offering environmentally differentiated port fees or discounts on port duesCarbon pricing: Implementing carbon taxes or trading schemes; high penalties for non-green vessels
Shore power supply and electrification (M4)The extent to which ports deploy shore power facilities and electrify port equipment to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and associated GHG during port operations (EESI, 2022; Wang et al., 2024; Zhang et al., 2024)Targeted deployment: Installing onshore power supply at key berthsGrid integration: Full electrification of all berths; Smart grid and Vehicle-to-Grid implementation
Alternative fuel supply/Renewable energy generation (M5)The extent to which ports support the provision of alternative low-carbon marine fuels and renewable energy to reduce dependence on conventional fossil fuels (Acciaro et al., 2014; EESI, 2022; Puig et al., 2024)Transitional fuels: Bunkering infrastructure for LNG or drop-in BiofuelsFuture fuels: Bunkering hubs for green Hydrogen and Ammonia; on-site energy self-sufficiency
Smart port technologies and digitalization (M6)The extent to which ports adopt smart technologies and digital systems to optimize operations and reduce emissions (EESI, 2022; Puig et al., 2024)Process optimization: Using data to reduce idle times and optimize vessel scheduling (JIT)Digital ecosystems: AI-driven autonomous operations and Digital Twins for lifecycle carbon management
Operational decarbonization measures (M7)The extent to which ports implement operational and hinterland-oriented decarbonization measures (EESI, 2022)Efficiency gains: Truck appointment systems and gate optimizationModal shift: Structural shift of cargo transport from road to rail and electric barges/inland waterways
Source(s): Authors' work

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