Redefining Port Concession Agreements: A Framework for Environmental Sustainability

Charalampos Platias (), Constantinos Chlomoudis, Petros Pallis, Markos Tozidis and Virginia Zarakeli
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Charalampos Platias: Department of International and European Studies, Panteion University of Social & Political Sciences, 17671 Athens, Greece
Constantinos Chlomoudis: Department of Maritime Studies, University of Piraeus, 18534 Piraeus, Greece
Petros Pallis: Department of Shipping, Trade and Transport, University of the Aegean, 82132 Rhodes, Greece
Markos Tozidis: Department of Maritime Studies, University of Piraeus, 18534 Piraeus, Greece
Virginia Zarakeli: Department of Maritime Studies, University of Piraeus, 18534 Piraeus, Greece

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-27

Abstract: This paper investigates the integration of environmental sustainability into port concession agreements, addressing mounting environmental challenges and the increasing emphasis on sustainability. Traditionally shaped by economic considerations, these agreements now require a more integrated approach that incorporates environmental sustainability as a core principle. The objective is to identify essential environmental requirements that should be embedded in these agreements to drive significant environmental progress in port operations and development. The methodology includes a comprehensive literature review and an empirical analysis of available concession agreements and reference texts, systematically categorizing critical environmental parameters and performance indicators. The key findings highlight the need for port concession agreements to extend beyond regulatory compliance by incorporating proactive sustainability strategies, imposing clear obligations on concessionaires, and defining relevant key performance indicators (KPIs) for effective monitoring. While awareness of environmental impacts in port concession agreements is increasing, significant progress is still needed to fully integrate sustainability into these frameworks. This paper advocates for a shift toward innovative, forward-thinking approaches that align with both environmental and market realities.

Keywords: concession agreements; ports; environmental considerations; sustainability; KPIs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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