Lean 4.0 in port management: an alternative to support the development of the circular economy in the sector

Abstract

Ports and terminals are directly related to world economic development due to international trade. In this sense, port management has expanded actions in terms of sustainability and mainly linked to circular economy (CE). The port environment is not alien to society's developments and for that it needs to improve its efficiency and operability, reducing the waste of time, processes and waste generated within it. In this context, this research links the Lean 4.0 concept with the circular economy as an alternative for the development of the port sector. The study is based on highlighting the challenges and advantages of implementing CE in ports through Lean 4.0. To achieve the objective of this research, a literature review was carried out based on the Sytematic Research Flow-SSF method proposed by Ferenhof and Fernandes (2016), followed by a content analysis based on Bardin (2011). Based on the findings, it was possible to list the key elements linked to Lean 4.0 correlated with the circular economy to stimulate the sustainability of the port sector. It was identified that Lean 4.0 presents itself as a simplifier for the implementation of the circular economy culture, since it enables the alignment of people to identify waste, stimulates innovation and the development of a culture aimed at continuous improvement in the sector.