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Rethinking Routes: The Case for Regional Ports in a Decarbonizing World

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  • Dong-Ping Song

    (School of Management, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZH, UK)

Abstract

Background : Increasing regulatory pressure for maritime decarbonization (e.g., IMO CII, FuelEU) drives adoption of low-carbon fuels and prompts reassessment of regional ports’ competitiveness. This study aims to evaluate the economic and environmental viability of rerouting deep-sea container services to regional ports in a decarbonizing world. Methods : A scenario-based analysis is used to evaluate total costs and CO 2 emissions across the entire container shipping supply chain, incorporating deep-sea shipping, port operations, feeder services, and inland rail/road transport. The Port of Liverpool serves as the primary case study for rerouting Asia–Europe services from major ports. Results : Analysis indicates Liverpool’s competitiveness improves with shipping lines’ slow steaming, growth in hinterland shipment volume, reductions in the emission factors of alternative low-carbon fuels, and an increased modal shift to rail matching that of competitor ports (e.g., Southampton). A dual-port strategy, rerouting services to call at both Liverpool and Southampton, shows potential for both economic and environmental benefits. Conclusions : The study concludes that rerouting deep-sea services to regional ports can offer cost and emission advantages under specific operational and market conditions. Findings on factors and conditions influencing competitiveness and the dual-port strategy provide insights for shippers, ports, shipping lines, logistics agents, and policymakers navigating maritime decarbonization.

Suggested Citation

  • Dong-Ping Song, 2025. "Rethinking Routes: The Case for Regional Ports in a Decarbonizing World," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 9(3), pages 1-26, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:9:y:2025:i:3:p:103-:d:1717351
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    References listed on IDEAS

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