Floating into the Future
A Systematic Review of Floating Ports’ Evolution as a Resilient Maritime Solution
Buddhi A. Weerasinghe (Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam)
Wouter Spekkink ( Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam)
Ron van Duin (Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, TU Delft - Transport and Logistics)
Jurian Edelenbos ( Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam)
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Abstract
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.
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