Sustainability management in smaller UK ports to promote more sustainable freight transport

Abstract

This chapter aims to promote more sustainable freight transport by discussing processes to assist smaller UK ports as vital but neglected freight interchanges, to embrace and embed sustainability management. Discussion spans aspects of freight performance, examples of port planning and reporting, and some available sustainability management systems. In time, more systematic sustainability management methodologies will probably permeate port management, but the processes and mechanisms for change remain uncertain. Increasing adoption is likely as managerial awareness increases, driven by internal corporate strategic initiatives. External drivers will involve abduction from disciplines in which sustainability management is more mature. Diffusion of values and operating practices from adjacent supply chains, or pragmatism arising from requirements to safeguard critical revenue streams is likely. Support from research and professional bodies is essential to design strategies to guide the implementation of sustainability management in smaller UK ports to ensure more sustainable freight transport.