Implementation Theory Review for Insights into Shipping and Port Decarbonization

There are practical gaps and issues in the implementation of maritime transport decarbonization, and the industry is still lagging in comprehensive implementation. In scholarly terms, this is exacerbated by a lack of research on pathways to implementation and a lack of research on the integration of relevant theories. This study employs a narrative (theoretical) review with respect to all the schools of implementation theory. It aims to investigate the applicability of implementation theory and to apply its insights to maritime transport decarbonization implementation, particularly with respect to shipping and ports. The findings, firstly, structure the literature into three schools of implementation theory. Secondly, the applicability of implementation theory and its parameters has been overlaid on maritime transport, resulting in two frameworks for shipping and ports. Thirdly, the determinants of maritime transport decarbonization implementation, derived from top-down and bottom-up theories (i.e., what impedes or leads to successful implementation), have been discussed, supported by literature from the theory and from port and shipping environmental implementation. The determinants include seven policy and management tools, including behavioural, institutional, organizational, and characteristic determinants related to implementing agencies and implementers (here called implementing agencies’ drivers for successful implementation). While this study enriches the literature by highlighting pathways and determinants of maritime transport decarbonization, it also has managerial implications. The findings envision and inspire shipping and port practitioners and policy and decision makers by showing the process of decarbonization implementation, factors for success or failure, and what is needed to reconfigure and improve them.