From Smart Ports to Sustainable Port Ecosystems: The Transformative Role of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

Ports are critical nodes in global supply chains and play a central role in sustainability transitions in trade and logistics. This study investigates how Artificial Intelligence (AI) contributes to sustainable innovation within port ecosystems, focusing on efficiency, transparency, resilience, and environmental performance. To address the research question—how has AI supported sustainability in maritime ports?—we conducted a systematic screening combined with bibliometric performance analysis and science mapping. A total of 80 peer-reviewed articles published between 2019 and 2025 (Scopus) were analysed. The results show a strong acceleration of publications in 2025, alongside a citation–time lag for recent studies. The findings indicate three dominant application streams: (1) operational efficiency and optimisation (terminal operations, forecasting, routing, scheduling); (2) digital and smart-port enablement through IoT and data infrastructures; and (3) governance, risk, and compliance (e.g., Port State Control, inspection analytics, cyber-resilience). The mapping also evidences increasing convergence of AI with complementary technologies—particularly IoT and, in a smaller but visible subset, blockchain—to enhance trust, accountability, and interoperability. By synthesising the field’s intellectual structure and thematic evolution, this study outlines research gaps and proposes future directions toward integrated frameworks for sustainable port ecosystems and Sustainable Commerce 4.0.