Advancing Port Sustainability in the Baltic Sea Region: A Comparative Analysis Using the SMCC Framework

Mari-Liis Tombak (), Deniece Melissa Aiken, Eliise Toomeoja and Ulla Pirita Tapaninen
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Mari-Liis Tombak: Estonian Maritime Academy, Tallinn University of Technology, Kopli 101, 11712 Tallinn, Estonia
Deniece Melissa Aiken: Estonian Maritime Academy, Tallinn University of Technology, Kopli 101, 11712 Tallinn, Estonia
Eliise Toomeoja: Estonian Maritime Academy, Tallinn University of Technology, Kopli 101, 11712 Tallinn, Estonia
Ulla Pirita Tapaninen: Estonian Maritime Academy, Tallinn University of Technology, Kopli 101, 11712 Tallinn, Estonia

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 15, 1-24

Abstract: Ports in the Baltic Sea region play an integral role in advancing sustainable maritime practices in the area, due to their geographic interconnectedness, economic importance, and sensitivity to environmental challenges. While numerous port sustainability assessment methods exist, most of which are grounded in the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) metric, many tend to emphasise whether specific targets have been met, rather than evaluating port sustainability on a scalar basis. This study explores the sustainability strategies of seven selected ports in five Baltic Sea countries using an innovative qualitative evaluation framework developed by the Swedish Maritime Competence Centre (SMCC). The SMCC model integrates the three core pillars of sustainability-environmental, social, and economic dimensions, while incorporating energy efficiency and digitalisation as critical enablers of modern port operations. The findings reveal significant variation in sustainability performance among the selected ports, shaped by regional contexts, operational profiles, and prior engagement with sustainability initiatives. Also, the results bring into light the most common sustainable practices used in the ports, e.g., LED lightning, onshore power supply, and port information systems.

Keywords: port sustainability; port strategy; sustainability assessment; sustainable development goals; Swedish Maritime Competence Centre; Baltic Sea region (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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