This study investigates the emerging concept of floating ports, examining their applications, technological readiness, and future potential as transformative maritime infrastructure. Despite decades of isolated innovations in floating structures such as floating breakwaters, terminals, piers, berths, tourism platforms, shipyards, very large floating structures (VLFS) and renewable energy platforms, the literature remains fragmented with limited cohesive research addressing floating ports as integrated systems. By employing a systematic literature search combining bigram-based keyword analysis across Scopus and Web of Science, the study identified 142 relevant articles focused on floating ports and harbors. A Balanced Readiness Level Assessment (BRLa) across eight floating port applications revealed moderate to high technological maturity for most components however persistent gaps in market readiness, regulatory frameworks, organizational integration, and societal acceptance. While floating structures have been successfully deployed in niche, single-user contexts, no fully established multi-user floating port currently exists at a scale comparable to that of a conventional seaport. The findings highlight the necessity of integrated governance models, regulatory alignment, stakeholder engagement, and robust financial frameworks to support the transition of floating ports from isolated experimental structures to fully operational and sustainable maritime hubs. Such development is critical to addressing land scarcity, enhancing resilience, and managing evolving logistical challenges within global port systems.

This chapter “Sustainable City Logistics” explores how cities are transitioning toward more efficient, low-emission, and multimodal logistics systems. Traditional urban freight has long depended on vans and trucks, which, while essential, contribute significantly to congestion, emissions, and noise. As cities pursue zero-emission targets, a variety of alternative delivery modes—both traditional and technology-driven—are reshaping the logistics landscape. Previously overlooked modes such as walking, crowdshipping, barge transport, and public transport are now gaining policy attention. Walking plays a vital role in last-meter deliveries, especially when supported by microhubs and designated unloading zones. Crowdshipping leverages citizens’ daily travel patterns for deliveries, promoting social inclusion and sustainability, though it faces challenges regarding trust, regulation, and labour standards. Similarly, the use of waterways and public transport networks for goods distribution offers new opportunities to reduce road traffic and emissions. At the same time, technology-driven innovations are accelerating. Light Electric Freight Vehicles (LEFVs)—including e-cargo bikes and small electric vans—are increasingly used in dense urban areas due to their agility, low emissions, and compatibility with zero-emission zones. Drones and delivery robots are already operational in several Asian cities, offering flexible, contactless last-mile solutions, though most countries still face legal and regulatory hurdles before adopting them widely. Underground freight and Hyperloop systems remain in experimental stages but promise transformative efficiency gains for the future. Overall, the evolution of city logistics reflects a shift from vehicle-focused to system-oriented approaches. Success depends on combining multiple modes, supported by data-driven management, smart infrastructure, and coordinated policies. Sustainable logistics will require collaboration between governments, logistics providers, and citizens to balance efficiency, accessibility, and liveability in the urban environment—moving toward truly zero-impact cities. All authors of this chapter are member of the research community Low Impact Lastmile logisticS (LILS).

Planning of container terminal operations is a complex task, which requires the accurate scheduling of operations that are highly interrelated and uncertain. This study aims to investigate the integration of quayside operational planning functions under uncertain parameters by applying a reactive approach. A mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model is formulated to optimally assign and schedule quay cranes to multiple vessels simultaneously. The model will derive a baseline schedule that minimises the cost of waiting and departure delays of vessels. To address the uncertainty, a reactive strategy is formulated to generate a rescheduling plan when two types of disruptions, delays in vessel arrivals and quay crane breakdowns, occur during the operation. The reactive strategy will take the baseline schedule as input and derive a reactive schedule that minimizes the cost of deviations from the baseline schedule. The numerical experiments demonstrate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed approach to solve the integrated formulation under uncertainty.

The Dutch inland shipping sector aims to nearly eliminate emissions by 2050 by transitioning away from fossil fuels. While alternative fuels are being developed, scaling them up remains challenging due to complex system dynamics, often leading to innovation failure. Existing studies identify scale-up factors but often overlook interactions between factors. This study examines the scale-up dynamics of biofuels, hydrogen and LNG. Scientific literature, news articles and interviews are analysed to construct causal loop diagrams depicting the main relationships between economic, technological, political and social factors. Six mechanisms showcasing scale-up dynamics are identified, highlighting the widespread impact of uncertainty–influenced by technical challenges, resource availability and fuel alternatives–and industry interest–influenced by cost–benefit assessment, technical challenges and resource availability. While biofuels, hydrogen and LNG show common mechanisms, resource availability creates key differences. A holistic approach addressing uncertainty and industry interest is needed to shift a system currently reinforcing fossil fuels.

This study systematically reviews the evolution, present focus, and future potential of floating ports/ harbours within the wider maritime industry. Using a bigram-based search strategy across Scopus and Web of Science, 884 relevant publications were identified, of which 140 directly addressed floating ports or related applications. A structured classification based on the “Elements of the Maritime Industry” framework revealed a strong concentration on construction aspects, with significant gaps in management, logistics, and ancillary activities. Keyword mapping through VOSviewer highlights a progression from safety-driven designs to sustainable, multifunctional, and climate-resilient infrastructures. In addition, the study introduces two working definitions; I) offshore floating ports and II) floating solutions for onshore/nearshore port infrastructure, to clarify emerging directions in the conceptual and functional development of floating port systems. The findings underline both the scarcity and growing importance of floating ports as a critical component of future maritime logistics and governance.