Impact of Container Reverse Logistics on the Maritime Sector: Economic and Environmental Factors

Joaquim Jorge Vicente (), Lurdes Neves () and Catarina Marques
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Joaquim Jorge Vicente: Centro de Investigação em Gestão (CIGEST), Instituto Superior de Gestão, ISG-Business & Economics School, Rua Prof. Reinaldo dos Santos, Nº46 A, 1500-552 Lisbon, Portugal
Lurdes Neves: Centro de Investigação em Gestão (CIGEST), Instituto Superior de Gestão, ISG-Business & Economics School, Rua Prof. Reinaldo dos Santos, Nº46 A, 1500-552 Lisbon, Portugal
Catarina Marques: Centro de Investigação em Gestão (CIGEST), Instituto Superior de Gestão, ISG-Business & Economics School, Rua Prof. Reinaldo dos Santos, Nº46 A, 1500-552 Lisbon, Portugal

Logistics, 2025, vol. 9, issue 3, 1-25

Abstract: This paper investigates the growing problem of abandoned maritime containers and the lack of effective reverse logistics to manage them: Background: The research highlights the significant environmental impact and economic burdens caused by the imbalance of container inflow and outflow, which leads to the accumulation of containers in storage yards; Methods: The study used the Delphi Method, gathering insights from a panel of experts in container transport and maintenance. The goal was to identify key challenges and potential solutions for improving container reverse logistics in Portugal; Results: The results confirm the urgent need for efficient reverse logistics strategies to address the container imbalance. The experts reached over 60% consensus on the importance of developing logistics systems and improving communication between ports. Implementing these strategies would not only reduce economic costs but also significantly lower environmental pollution; Conclusions: The paper concludes that a strategic shift toward effective reverse logistics is essential for enhancing the sustainability and operational efficiency of the maritime transport sector.

Keywords: reverse logistics; environmental pollution; maritime transport; containers; Delphi method; Portuguese case (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L8 L80 L81 L86 L87 L9 L90 L91 L92 L93 L98 L99 M1 M10 M11 M16 M19 R4 R40 R41 R49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jlogis:v:9:y:2025:i:3:p:131-:d:1751825

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