Data for green port literature
Description
The dataset comprises a structured bibliographic database of **633 scientific publications** examining the evolution of the **green port** concept, sustainable port development, and related environmental policies. It was developed to support a systematic literature review investigating how the green port concept has evolved and how it aligns with the objectives of the **European Green Deal (EGD)** and sustainable maritime transport. The literature was identified through systematic searches in major scientific databases using predefined keywords related to green ports, port sustainability, greening, climate change, and the European Green Deal. After applying predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, duplicate and irrelevant records were removed, resulting in a final dataset of 633 publications published between 2010 and 2024. Each record represents one publication and includes standardized bibliographic and analytical information, such as authors, title, publication source, document type, study type (empirical, theoretical or review), and research methodology (qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods). The dataset was manually curated to ensure consistent classification. The research hypothesizes that the green port concept has evolved from environmental management and pollution control toward an integrated sustainability framework encompassing decarbonization, renewable energy, digitalization, circular economy, governance, operational efficiency, and the policy objectives of the European Green Deal. The literature demonstrates a significant increase in research activity and highlights a shift from traditional environmental compliance to broader sustainability strategies, including smart ports, alternative fuels, climate resilience, stakeholder collaboration, and environmental performance assessment. The dataset also illustrates the growing interdisciplinary nature of green port research by integrating perspectives from transport, environmental science, engineering, economics, logistics, and public policy. The dataset represents a structured evidence base rather than operational port data. It can be used for bibliometric and scientometric analyses, identifying research trends and gaps, supporting future systematic reviews, examining the evolution of sustainability concepts in maritime transport, and informing evidence-based policy and decision-making related to sustainable port development. Furthermore, the standardized structure of the database facilitates comparative analyses across publication years, research methodologies, and thematic areas, providing a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and port authorities interested in monitoring the development of green port research and its contribution to sustainable maritime transport.
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Steps to reproduce
The dataset was developed through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines and the five-step systematic review methodology proposed by Khan et al. (2003). The review aimed to investigate the evolution of the green port concept and establish a comprehensive understanding of its development over the period 2000–2025. The Scopus database was selected as the sole data source due to its broad coverage of peer-reviewed scientific literature. The search was conducted between 10 and 28 June 2025 using combinations of the keywords "green deal" OR "green" OR "climate change" together with "port", searching within titles, abstracts, and indexed keywords. Eligible document types included articles, conference papers, reviews, books, book chapters, and editorials. The initial search retrieved 5,102 publications. After removing 187 duplicate records, titles and abstracts were screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Publications not directly addressing green ports, environmental sustainability in ports, or port-related climate change issues were excluded. A total of 632 publications were retained for the final analysis. All data were collected and manually screened by a single reviewer to ensure consistency throughout the review process. Each publication was manually coded in Microsoft Excel, extracting standardized bibliographic and analytical information, including publication year, authors, title, document type, research methodology, and study type (empirical, theoretical, or review). Additional thematic coding classified each publication into one of four research pillars: port decarbonisation and energy transition, climate change adaptation and resilience, green port governance and management, and smart technological innovations. The complete search strategy, screening procedure, inclusion criteria, and manual coding protocol provide a transparent and reproducible workflow that can be replicated by future researchers investigating the evolution of green port research.
Institutions
- University of PiraeusAttica, Piraeus