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Enhancing Sustainability in Port Infrastructure Through Innovation: A Case Study of the Spanish Port System

Author

Listed:
  • Javier Vaca-Cabrero

    (Department of Transport, Territorial and Urban Planning Engineering, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain)

  • Javier Domínguez Rastrojo

    (Department of Transport, Territorial and Urban Planning Engineering, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain)

  • Nicoletta González-Cancelas

    (Department of Transport, Territorial and Urban Planning Engineering, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain)

  • Alberto Camarero-Orive

    (Department of Transport, Territorial and Urban Planning Engineering, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain)

Abstract

This research explores the role of innovation in fostering sustainability within the Spanish Port System, emphasizing its implications for transport infrastructure. It examines the intersection of innovation and sustainability, addressing key challenges such as maritime traffic growth, energy efficiency, waste management, and community integration. It identifies opportunities for technological advancements, collaborative initiatives, and circular economy strategies that contribute to the sustainable development of port infrastructure. The findings highlight the necessity of implementing innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency, mitigate environmental impact, and strengthen stakeholder engagement. The application of advanced technologies and cooperative frameworks among port stakeholders emerges as a critical driver for achieving sustainability objectives within maritime transport systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Javier Vaca-Cabrero & Javier Domínguez Rastrojo & Nicoletta González-Cancelas & Alberto Camarero-Orive, 2025. "Enhancing Sustainability in Port Infrastructure Through Innovation: A Case Study of the Spanish Port System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-19, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:6:p:2593-:d:1613006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anas S. Alamoush & Fabio Ballini & Aykut I. Ölçer, 2021. "Revisiting port sustainability as a foundation for the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)," Journal of Shipping and Trade, Springer, vol. 6(1), pages 1-40, December.
    2. Daozhi Zhao & Tianyi Wang & Hongshuai Han, 2020. "Approach towards Sustainable and Smart Coal Port Development: The Case of Huanghua Port in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-23, May.
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    5. Nicoleta González-Cancelas & Beatriz Molina Serrano & Francisco Soler-Flores & Alberto Camarero-Orive, 2020. "Using the SWOT Methodology to Know the Scope of the Digitalization of the Spanish Ports," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 4(3), pages 1-20, September.
    6. Elvira Haezendonck & Karel Van den Berghe, 2020. "Patterns of Circular Transition: What Is the Circular Economy Maturity of Belgian Ports?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-15, November.
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    9. Olli-Pekka Brunila & Vappu Kunnaala-Hyrkki & Tommi Inkinen, 2023. "Sustainable small ports: performance assessment tool for management, responsibility, impact, and self-monitoring," Journal of Shipping and Trade, Springer, vol. 8(1), pages 1-24, December.
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    1. Dimitrios Cholidis & Nikolaos Sifakis & Alexandros Chachalis & Nikolaos Savvakis & George Arampatzis, 2025. "Energy Transition Framework for Nearly Zero-Energy Ports: HRES Planning, Storage Integration, and Implementation Roadmap," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-46, June.

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