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Optimizing Sustainable Port Logistics in Spanish Ports with Emerging Technologies

Author

Listed:
  • Nicoletta González-Cancelas

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

  • Jean Pierre Celso Palacios Calzada

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

  • Javier Vaca-Cabrero

    (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

Maritime transport is essential to global trade, but port activities have a substantial environmental impact. This study develops and applies a structured evaluation framework—combining SWOT-CAME (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats–Correct, Adapt, Maintain, and Explore) analysis with Delphi Panel validation—to assess the digital transformation readiness of Spanish ports and to prioritize strategic actions that align emerging technologies with sustainability and operational objectives. Through expert-driven analysis, this study identifies and ranks strategic factors across four categories: strengths-opportunities (SO), strengths-threats (ST), weaknesses-opportunities (WO), and weaknesses-threats (WT). Among the highest priority actions are strengthening cybersecurity, implementing workforce training in digital competencies, and promoting public–private collaboration to support technology adoption. The resulting strategic map provides port authorities with a practical decision-making tool that supports the integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Metaverse in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Future research could further explore the cost-effectiveness and long-term sustainability impact of these digitalization strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicoletta González-Cancelas & Jean Pierre Celso Palacios Calzada & Javier Vaca-Cabrero & Alberto Camarero-Orive, 2025. "Optimizing Sustainable Port Logistics in Spanish Ports with Emerging Technologies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-24, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:8:p:3392-:d:1632279
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. 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.
    2. Fernando Almeida, 2023. "Challenges in the Digital Transformation of Ports," Businesses, MDPI, vol. 3(4), pages 1-21, October.
    3. Haseltalab, Ali & Negenborn, Rudy R., 2019. "Model predictive maneuvering control and energy management for all-electric autonomous ships," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 251(C), pages 1-1.
    4. Jennifer L. MacNeil & Michelle Adams & Tony R. Walker, 2021. "Development of Framework for Improved Sustainability in the Canadian Port Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(21), pages 1-17, October.
    5. Beatriz Molina Serrano & Nicoleta González-Cancelas & Francisco Soler-Flores & Samir Awad-Nuñez & Alberto Camarero Orive, 2018. "Use of Bayesian Networks to Analyze Port Variables in Order to Make Sustainable Planning and Management Decision," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 2(1), pages 1-16, January.
    6. Acciaro, Michele & Ghiara, Hilda & Cusano, Maria Inés, 2014. "Energy management in seaports: A new role for port authorities," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 4-12.
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