Sustainably integrated port supply chains: concepts and propositions

Abstract

A port has traditionally played such a fundamental role as cargo handling within the concept of containerisation and multi-modalism. Today, however, the port is required to become more aligned with global supply chains: that is, integration – more specifically, termed ‘port supply chain integration’ (PSCI). Increasing scale and volume of sea-based trade results in a situation where the port is blamed as a source of environmental and social externalities – ‘port sustainability’ (PS) being stemmed from. Existing studies have emphasised the role of PSCI with a few economic facets; due attention has not been given to sustainability aspects. Bearing these issues in mind, this paper attempts to conceptually discuss a claim that PSCI has a potential influence on PS and to propose a so-called ‘sustainably integrated port supply chain’ by establishing a conceptual framework linked to a series of testable propositions. Using systematic review, this paper delineates the role of supply chain integration in achieving sustainability in ports, and it investigates the conceptual interactions among PSCI and PS constructs and variables in a holistic approach. Propositions to be suggested from this line of exercise can be used as a basis for an empirical test towards establishing a theory applicable to the field.