The Decarbonisation of Maritime Transport as a Stimulus for Industrial Innovation and the Role of Port System Authorities

Around 2.89 per cent of total global greenhouse gas emissions are accounted for by maritime transport. It is the subject of international regulatory initiatives and growing interest from shippers, who are becoming more aware of the need to reduce the environmental impact of their procurement and distribution activities. The two main research questions are: what are the maritime transport trends towards decarbonisation, and what are the implications for Italian ports and industrial systems? The key elements of maritime decarbonisation analysed are a combination of private strategies and public policies related to operational measures, energy efficiency technologies, biofuels, and low/zero-carbon fuels. The analyses summarised in this paper focus on national and local specific public policies aimed at reducing financial and operational risks for investors and supporting innovative solutions for maritime and port decarbonisation. The response to the second question is articulated because this evolution has specific technological implications, organisational innovation, as well as the potential activation of new industrial opportunities. These are related to carbon capture usage and storage, energy efficiency technologies, green Ro/Ro corridor pilot programmes, and the development of renewable energy projects dedicated to decarbonisation of maritime and port activities. The paper concludes with a set of policy recommendations to accelerate the trend towards environmental sustainability and enhance its socio economic impact.