Cogent Social Sciences (Open Research)

Ports in the Age of Globalization and Technological

Advancements: Challenges and Opportunities for Local
Communities

Journal: Cogent Social Sciences (ORG)

Manuscript ID QASS-2024-0371

Manuscript Type: Research Article

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Date Submitted by the
26-Feb-2024
Author:

Complete List of Authors: BILGIC, ISILAY; Istanbul Okan Universitesi, Vocational School
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Akar, Caglar; Istanbul Okan Universitesi, Engineering Faculty
Cora, Hakan; Istanbul Okan Universitesi, Faculty of Business and
Administrative Sciences
Gurson, Ali Poyraz; Istanbul Okan Universitesi, Faculty of Business and
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Administrative Sciences

Port cities, Sustainability, Port development, Sea Lines of Communication

Keywords:
(SLOC)
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Cities & the Developing World, Urban Development, Environment & the
Classifications:
Developing World, Population & Development, Sustainable Development
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The traditional business model of ports has been disrupted due to

globalization and technological advancements. New technologies such as
automation and data analytics have revolutionized how ports handle
cargo. However, the new business model has brought challenges,
iew

particularly regarding their relationship with local communities. As ports

have developed and expanded, the impact on the environment, noise
pollution, and traffic congestion has become increasingly apparent. This
has led to tensions between ports and local communities. The
Abstract: transformation of the business model of ports has had far-reaching
implications for the relationship between ports, local communities, and
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port cities. Ports have had to invest heavily in modernizing their

infrastructure and operations to meet the market's changing demands.
Despite these challenges, ports remain essential in the global trade
network vital to economic growth and development. This study
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summarizes the methods related to the problems and suggestions for

solutions based on the examinations made on seven important port
cities.

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Page 1 of 13 Cogent Social Sciences (Open Research)

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3 Ports in the Age of Globalization and Technological Advancements: Challenges and
4
5
Opportunities for Local Communities
6 Isilay Bilgic1 , Caglar Akar2, Hakan Cora3, Ali Poyraz Gurson4
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8
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10 1. Corresponding Author Department of Electric and Energy, Vocational School, Istanbul Okan University, Istanbul, Turkiye.
11 E-mail: isilay.ulusoy@okan.edu.tr
12
2., Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Istanbul Okan University, Istanbul, Turkiye. E-mail:
13 caglar.akar@okan.edu.tr
14
15 3. Department of International Relations, Faculty of Management, Istanbul Okan University, Istanbul, Turkiye. E-mail:
16 corahakan@gmail.com
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18 4. Department of International Relations, Faculty of Management, Istanbul Okan University, Istanbul, Turkiye. E-mail:
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19 poyraz.gurson@okan.edu.tr
20
21
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22 Abstract
23
24 The traditional business model of ports has been disrupted due to globalization and
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25 technological advancements. New technologies such as automation and data analytics have
26 revolutionized how ports handle cargo. However, the new business model has brought
27
28
challenges, particularly regarding their relationship with local communities. As ports have
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29 developed and expanded, the impact on the environment, noise pollution, and traffic congestion
30 has become increasingly apparent. This has led to tensions between ports and local
31 communities. The transformation of the business model of ports has had far-reaching
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32 implications for the relationship between ports, local communities, and port cities. Ports have
33 had to invest heavily in modernizing their infrastructure and operations to meet the market's
34
changing demands. Despite these challenges, ports remain essential in the global trade network
iew

35
36 vital to economic growth and development. This study summarizes the methods related to the
37 problems and suggestions for solutions based on the examinations made on seven important
38 port cities.
39
40 Keywords: Port cities, Sustainability, Port development, Sea Lines of Communication (SLOC)
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41
42
43 Introduction
44
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45 Importance:
46
47 Ports have been a crucial part of facilitating trade and commerce throughout history,
48 connecting regions and nations across the globe. Traditionally, ports were located near
49 manufacturing centers to maximize profits, bringing about local growth and prosperity.
50
However, with the rise of globalization and logistics advancements, the traditional port
51
52 operations model has been disrupted. Today, ports face immense pressure to adapt to
53 heightened competition due to changing trade patterns and technological advances. The
54 evolving landscape of technology and trade has transformed the structure of ports and the way
55 they operate. New technologies such as automation and data analytics have revolutionized how
56 ports handle cargo. For instance, automation has enabled ports to handle larger cargo volumes
57 more efficiently and cost-effectively. E-commerce growth demands fast, reliable shipping, and
58
ports should prioritize speed and efficiency to stay competitive.
59
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 Cogent Social Sciences (Open Research) Page 2 of 13

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3 The traditional business model of ports has undergone a significant transformation in
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recent years, resulting in major changes in how ports interact with local communities and port
6 cities. Technological advancements, globalization, and changing consumer demands have
7 primarily driven the shift. Ports are no longer just simple points of entry and exit for goods but
8 rather complex, integrated systems that involve a wide range of activities such as logistics,
9 supply chain management, and value-added services.
10
11 This new business model has enabled ports to become more efficient and cost-effective.
12 However, it has also brought about new challenges, particularly regarding their relationship
13 with local communities. As ports have developed and expanded, the impact on the
14 environment, noise pollution, and traffic congestion has become increasingly apparent. This
15
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has led to tensions between ports and local communities, with concerns about the effects of
17 port activities on the quality of life of residents in port cities.
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Moreover, the shift in ports' business model has also impacted port cities' economic and
20 social development. While ports have traditionally been essential drivers of economic growth
21 and job creation, the new business model has led to changes in employment opportunities and
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22 the required skills. This has created challenges for local communities in adapting to these
23 changes and ensuring that they can benefit from the opportunities presented by the new
24 business model. Figure 1 shows the impacting factors on port efficiency.
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55 Figure 1. The impacting factors on port efficiency
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57 Overall, the transformation of the business model of ports has had far-reaching
58 implications for the relationship between ports, local communities, and port cities. As such, it
59 is essential to ensure that the benefits of this new model are balanced against the potential
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Page 3 of 13 Cogent Social Sciences (Open Research)

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3 negative impacts and that the concerns of local communities are taken into account in the
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development of port strategies and policies.
6 Literature Review:
7
8 Ports have had to invest heavily in modernizing their infrastructure and operations to
9 meet the market's changing demands. They are now more interconnected and integrated than
10
ever, working closely with transportation lines, trucking companies, and other stakeholders to
11
12 guarantee a smooth and efficient supply chain operation. Introducing new technologies has
13 enabled ports to reduce turnaround time, increase productivity, and reduce costs. Despite these
14 challenges, ports remain essential in the global trade network vital to economic growth and
15 development. The economic benefit of ports to their host cities is known as economic rent. The
16 combined efficiency of all steps in the port process determines this rent. According to Goss,
17 achieving higher technical efficiency at the port results in higher economic rent for the city
18
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19
(Goss, 1998).
20 To thrive in the current global economy, traditional notions of ports and their function
21
must evolve to meet the demands of a constantly changing market. Min-Jung's observations
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23 suggest that relying solely on port services within a city is no longer a guarantee of economic
24 prosperity, as it was once thought to be. In the past, the success of regional economies was
often presumed to translate into success for neighbouring ports. However, in the present day,
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26 with heightened industry competition and the influence of globalization, it is becoming
27 increasingly clear that the economic advantages of ports on local communities have been
28
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reevaluated (Min-Jung, 2011, p. 22-23). This decrease in economic benefits has significant
29
30
implications for poverty reduction strategies, employment rates, and investment in port cities.
31 For example, the reduced economic benefits of ports on local communities can hinder poverty
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32 reduction strategies and negatively impact employment rates. Additionally, the reduced
33 investment in port cities can further exacerbate these issues, creating a ripple effect that can be
34 felt throughout the region. Therefore, policymakers need to reassess the economic benefits of
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35 ports on local communities and develop strategies to mitigate any negative consequences from
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the reductions in benefits. This can include exploring alternative economic opportunities or
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finding ways to improve the efficiency of port services in port cities to keep up with
39 competition over the rents provided by ports.
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Transportation connections, shipping costs, port charges, service levels, regional
42 competition, and quality affect port choices (Tongzon, 2009; Veldman et al., 2011). Therefore,
43 port cities must keep up with technological developments and adapt their strategies to remain
44 competitive. The current system of ports emphasizes developing hinterland areas for adequate
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45 cargo transportation rather than focusing on the port cities themselves. This shift in focus has
46 resulted in a significant transformation of how businesses operate, as cargo transportation now
47
requires vast areas for stockpiling containers. The contemporary sea logistic system
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49 emphasizes improving hinterland areas and the logistic lines that connect them to port areas,
50 ensuring smooth and efficient transportation of goods. This shift in focus has led to a decline
51 in the importance of port cities in terms of investment and employment rates. The dependency
52 on port cities has decreased significantly due to the emphasis on hinterland development.
53 However, it is worth noting that the adverse effects on the environment persist.
54
55 Recently, there has been a considerable decline in the economic benefits that port cities
56 offer. This can be attributed to significant changes in handling goods at seaports. Unlike before,
57 the current procedures for handling large cargo tonnages do not require a massive workforce.
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As a result, there is no longer a dependency on nearby big cities like there was in the past.
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60 Nowadays, the selection of port positions is based on something other than the proximity of

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 Cogent Social Sciences (Open Research) Page 4 of 13

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3 towns or the availability of the workforce but instead on the location's profitability, the
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available area to store containers, and hinterland connectivity. These criteria are critical for the
6 success of any port, and finding a place that meets all of them can be pretty challenging.
7 Moreover, it is worth noting that ports near big cities face additional challenges when trying to
8 meet these criteria. The areas for such huge ports are limited, making it hard to find available
9 space to store containers. This further complicates the selection process, and more than cities'
10 proximity and workforce availability, they are needed. Instead, profitability, available space,
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and hinterland connectivity have become the primary considerations when selecting port
12
13
positions.
14 The decline in the importance of port cities in terms of investment and employment
15
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rates has caused a ripple effect on their economies. Reduced investment and employment rates
17 in port cities have led to declining economic opportunities and overall development. This has
18 also resulted in reduced revenue for the local governments, which affects their ability to provide
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19 essential services to the citizens. However, despite the adverse effects on port cities, the shift
20 in focus towards hinterland development has resulted in several positive outcomes. The
21 contemporary sea logistic system has improved the efficiency of cargo transportation, resulting
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22
in reduced transportation costs and improved customer satisfaction. It has also led to the
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24 development of new transport infrastructure, such as highways and rail lines, improving
hinterland areas' connectivity to the rest of the country.
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26
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In conclusion, the shift in focus towards hinterland development negatively affects port
28 cities. While the emphasis on profitability, available space, and hinterland connectivity has
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29 improved the efficiency of cargo transportation, it has also reduced investment and
30 employment rates in port cities, causing economic decline. Monios and Wilmsmeier assert that
31 the strategy needs reassessment to benefit local economies from port rents (Monios &
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32 Wilmsmeier, 2012). However, the contemporary competition over logistics profitability

33
adversely affects port cities' role.
34
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35 According to Mudronja et al., the effective operation of seaports can significantly

36
impact the economic growth of their respective regions. However, it is essential to focus on
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seaport operations and consider other drivers of regional economic growth, such as research
39 and development investment and human capital. The research suggests that seaports should
40 constantly strive to improve their operations by investing in new knowledge and technologies.
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41 By implementing sophisticated data processing systems and adopting new technologies,

42 seaports can enhance their efficiency and have more significant potential for success in their
43 business operations. Therefore, seaports need to invest in new technologies and continuously
44
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improve their processes to remain competitive and contribute to the economic growth of their
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46 regions (Mudronja et al., 2020, p. 12). The exogenous economic growth model can
47 theoretically address port cities' challenges in the fast-paced technological competition.
48
49 The exogenous growth model is a theoretical framework that explains how an economy
50 grows over time. According to this model, economic growth is driven by internal capacity,
51 such as technological advancements, infrastructure development, and human capital. However,
52 as the economy approaches its saturation point, the growth rate tends to slow down and
53 eventually stagnate. This happens because the existing production capacity needs to catch up
54 with the rising demand, leading to diminishing returns. To overcome this, the regional economy
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needs to undergo structural transformation, which involves a shift from low-value-added
56
57 production to high-value-added production. This can be achieved through various means, such
58 as investment in research and development, innovation, education and training, and the creation
59 of enabling institutions and policies. By undergoing structural transformation, the regional
60

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3 economy can overcome the constraints of its existing production capacity and continue to grow
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sustainably over time (Ozturkler & Bozgeyik, 2014, p. 36-37).
6 Adapting to structural changes in port business can be challenging for port cities. The
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impact of these changes can be significant, making it crucial for cities to develop effective
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9 strategies. This article seeks to evaluate such strategies, exploring how port cities can cope with
10 the evolving business model of seaports. The ultimate objective is to identify a sustainable
11 business model that balances the profitability of seaports with the well-being of the cities in
12 which they operate. To create a successful strategy, we have assessed seven different ports
13 across the globe based on several factors, including their size, location, proximity to major
14 cities, and business model. The article focuses on the following ports: Shanghai (China),
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Rotterdam (Netherlands), Singapore, Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Los Angeles (United
17 States), Hamburg (Germany), and Istanbul (Türkiye). By analyzing these critical parts of the
18 world, this article will create a model that optimizes the efficiency of the port and integrates
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19 the economy with the city to create sustainable cities.

20
21 Table: 1 Annual container volumes of the ports
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23 Port City Container
24 Capacity
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(million TEU)
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27 Shanghai (China) 47
28 (Statista, 2024)
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29 Rotterdam 15.3
30 (Netherlands) (IIR,
31 2024)
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Singapore (Statista, 37.3
33
34 2024)
Dubai (Statista, 2024) 14
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36 Los Angeles (Statista, 10.7
37 2024)
38 Hamburg (Statista, 6.4
39
2024)
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41 İstanbul (Turklim, 2.8

42 2024)
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46 According to Merk's analysis, three distinct relationships exist between port cities and
47 their corresponding ports. The first involves cities that experience growth while their ports
48 decline. The second type is characterized by cities that shrink while their ports expand. The
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third type consists of a decline in the city and its port. Merk asserts that only the third scenario
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51 necessitates a comprehensive restructuring of the port city (Merk, 2010, p. 16). The first case
52 suggests that the relationship between the port and the port city has shifted due to changing
53 business dynamics. The city can still attract people for non-port-related business opportunities.
54 The city still has the potential to attract people for business purposes other than port-related
55 opportunities. This shift could be due to several reasons, such as the rise of new industries or
56 changes in trade routes. In the second case, we can see how adverse environmental, traffic, and
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income conditions can negatively impact living conditions in the port area. As a result, people
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59 may prefer to live in areas with better living conditions, leading to a decrease in the population
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 Cogent Social Sciences (Open Research) Page 6 of 13

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3 in the port area. However, the geographical location still allows for the development of the
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port.
6 The impact of ports on cities can be both positive and negative. The positive effects can
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be grouped into economic growth, global connectivity, trade and commerce, infrastructure
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9 development, and revenue generation. Firstly, ports create jobs directly related to port
10 operations, such as dockworkers and logistics personnel. Indirectly, they also generate
11 employment opportunities by attracting industries reliant on the port for importing and
12 exporting goods. This leads to economic growth in the city. Secondly, ports enhance a city's
13 global connectivity by facilitating international trade and attracting foreign investments,
14 making the city a crucial player in the global economy. Thirdly, ports serve as vital trade
15
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gateways, attracting businesses, fostering commercial activities, and boosting the local
17 economy. Fourthly, ports drive infrastructure development, improving transportation networks,
18 roads, railways, and storage facilities, which benefits the entire city and region. Lastly, ports
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19 generate substantial revenue for the local government through taxes, tariffs, and various fees
20 associated with import/export activities.
21
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22 On the other hand, there are adverse effects, too. Environmental degradation is one of
23 the most significant adverse effects of port operations. This can be caused by air and water
24 pollution, habitat destruction, and noise pollution, which can impact the health of residents and
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25 ecosystems. Increased cargo movement can also lead to congestion on roads and around the
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27
port area, resulting in traffic issues, which can disrupt residents' daily lives. Ports require vast
28 land areas, leading to conflicts over land use, especially in densely populated cities, impacting
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29 residential areas or displacing communities. Air and noise pollution from port operations can
30 lead to health issues for nearby residents, such as respiratory problems and increased stress
31 levels. Rapid economic growth around ports can lead to social disruption, such as increased
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32 cost of living, gentrification, and changes in local cultures due to influxes of diverse
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populations. Balancing the positive impacts of economic growth, job creation, and improved
34
infrastructure with the adverse effects on the environment, public health, and social structures
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36 is crucial for sustainable development in cities hosting significant ports. Implementing
37 regulations, adopting green practices, and engaging with local communities can mitigate these
38 negative impacts while maximizing the benefits.
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40 Research Method:
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42 Our model, "Sustainable Port Structure for Sustainable Port Cities," is a comprehensive
43 approach to port management that addresses two main dimensions. Firstly, the model focuses
44 on restructuring ports to maximize profitability while minimizing negative environmental
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45 impacts. This includes optimizing port operations, enhancing cargo handling efficiency, and
46 reducing carbon emissions. Secondly, the model seeks to improve sustainability for the entire
47
region by promoting eco-friendly practices and reducing the ecological footprint of port
48
49 activities. This can be achieved through the implementation of sustainable port policies, the
50 adoption of clean energy sources, and the development of green infrastructure. By taking a
51 holistic approach to port management, our model aims to create a win-win situation for both
52 the port and the surrounding communities, ensuring that economic growth and environmental
53 protection go hand in hand.
54
55 The model for "Sustainable Port Structure for Sustainable Port Cities" has two primary
56 facets: An ecologically sound port structure designed to reduce environmental impact. This
57 includes using sustainable materials, implementing eco-friendly practices, and minimizing
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pollution and waste. Secondly, economically sustainable ports that can adapt to technological
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3 advancements and emerging trends. Additionally, these ports generate employment
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opportunities for the local community while maintaining flexibility.
6 Port and city authorities must undertake several important tasks to establish a profitable
7
and sustainable seaport business and create a "Sustainable Port Structure for Sustainable Port
8
9 Cities" model. The port authorities should focus on creating a business model that is financially
10 profitable and eco-friendly. This will require investing in modern technologies, equipment, and
11 infrastructure to help manage and optimize port operations. On the other hand, local
12 communities should work towards developing a skilled workforce that can meet the demands
13 of a constantly changing business environment. This can be achieved by providing education
14 and training programs to equip the workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to
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operate modern technologies and equipment. Moreover, local communities should provide
17 sufficient housing and other amenities to attract and retain skilled workers. A technologically
18 skilled and innovative labour force is crucial to achieving the desired outcomes in a rapidly
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19 evolving industry. To this end, port authorities and local communities should collaborate to
20 create an environment that promotes innovation, creativity, and teamwork. This will help
21 achieve the desired outcomes and ensure the long-term sustainability of the seaport industry.
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24 Population Change in Port Cities:
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Ports also affect population changes in the cities they are located in. While some people prefer
28 these cities due to employment in the ports, some may also leave the city due to the traffic
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29 generated by the ports, environmental pollution, or other reasons. The chart below shows the
30 population change in seven port cities in the last five years.
31
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32 Table 2. Population change in port cities (2018-2023) (World Population Review, 2024)
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Port City 2018 2023 Growth %
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36 Shanghai (China) 25,582,138 29,210,808 14.18
37 Rotterdam 1,007,780 1,018,012 1.01
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(Netherlands)
40 Singapore 5,791,901 6,080,859 4.98
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41 Dubai 2,785,376 3,007,583 7.97

42 Los Angeles 9,974,925 10,072,629 0.97
43 Hamburg 1,792,904 1,787,520 -0.3
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İstanbul 14,750,771 15,847,768 7.43

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47 Apart from Hamburg, there are no cities experiencing population decline. At the same time,
48 population growth is higher in cities such as Shanghai, Dubai, and Istanbul, where port density
49 has increased in recent years compared to others.
50
51
52
53 Employment in Ports:
54
55 The port provides business and job opportunities, leading to urbanization and population
56 growth in the port and its vicinity. However, this growth could negatively affect the port-city
57 interaction without proper planning. It is vital to consider port activities when arranging port
58 connection roads, improving railway connections, and zoning plans in port expansion areas.
59
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 Cogent Social Sciences (Open Research) Page 8 of 13

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3 Ports are an essential source of employment. A large indirect employment area is related to
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port operations, far exceeding the number of employees working in port services.
6
7 In the table above, the population in the cities where important ports are located and the
8 employment in the ports are compared. It is also remarkable that the population has decreased
9 in the last five years in Hamburg, where employee employment is the highest compared to the
10 population. (Table 2).
11
12
13
Urban freight transportation mainly relies on road transport, which poses a high environmental
14 risk due to exhaust gases. Therefore, sourcing products as close to the ports as possible can
15 benefit the regional economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
16
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21 Table 3. The ratio of the number of employees in ports to the population
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23 Port City Population Number of Employees %
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Shanghai (China) 29,210,808 13,290 0.04
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26 (Trading Economics, 2024)
27 Rotterdam 1,018,012 1,300 0.12
28 (Netherlands) (Facts and Figures: The port of
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29 Rotterdam in numbers, 2024)

30 Singapore 6,080,859 33,000 0.54
31
(Ship Hub, 2024)
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33 Dubai 3,007,583 101,400 3.37
34 (Government of Dubai, 2024)
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35 Los Angeles 10,072,629 1,000 0.009

36 (The port of Los Angeles,
37 2024)
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Hamburg 1,787,520 150,000 8.39
40 (UTIKAD, 2024)
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41 İstanbul (Ambarli) 15,847,768 950 0.005

42 (MARPORT, 2024)
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To mitigate emissions, measuring the amount of emissions in ports is crucial, and necessary
47 measures should be taken to curb them. Conversion of port equipment to electric and hybrid
48 vehicles can reduce carbon emissions. Moreover, renewable energy can meet port operations
49 and buildings' heating and lighting needs. The port provides business and job opportunities,
50 leading to urbanization and population growth in the port and its vicinity. However, this growth
51 could negatively affect the port-city interaction without proper planning. It is vital to consider
52 port activities when arranging port connection roads, improving railway connections, and
53
54
zoning plans in port expansion areas.
55
56 Urban freight transportation mainly relies on road transport, which poses a high environmental
57 risk due to exhaust gases. Therefore, sourcing products as close to the ports as possible can
58 benefit the regional economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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3 To mitigate emissions, measuring the amount of emissions in ports is crucial, and necessary
4
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measures should be taken to curb them. Conversion of port equipment to electric and hybrid
6 vehicles can reduce carbon emissions. Moreover, renewable energy can meet port operations
7 and buildings' heating and lighting needs.
8
9
10 Environmental Impacts of Ports:
11
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13
Shanghai, a leading world-class urban agglomeration, recognizes the importance of reducing
14 carbon emissions and is taking action to impact the environment positively. While emitting 200
15 million tonnes of carbon annually, Shanghai is committed to making significant progress
16 toward a cleaner future (China Dialouge, 2024). The city has seen an average annual growth
17 rate of 2% in carbon emissions from Shanghai Port but is determined to reverse this trend.
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Shanghai has recently announced the "Shanghai 14th Five-Year Plan" Comprehensive Work
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Implementation Plan for Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction, which sets out policies
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21 to limit energy consumption, increase renewable energy sources, and offset CO2 emission
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22 (Yilin, Xiang, & Bing, 2023).

23
24 In Rotterdam, carbon emissions have been reduced from 9.6 kilotons in 2016 to an impressive
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25 3.2 kilotons in 2022 due to their carbon reduction efforts. This reduction has been achieved
26 through various initiatives, including limiting energy consumption and utilizing renewable
27
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energy sources (Rotterdam Port, 2023).
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30 Similarly, Los Angeles Port-related emissions are estimated to reach 488,145 metric tons of
31 CO2e, highlighting the importance of reducing carbon emissions in ports worldwide (The Port
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32 of Los Angeles, 2024). Hamburg Port, for example, is responsible for producing 4.7 million
33 tons of polluting emissions, demonstrating the scale of the challenge and the potential for real
34
change (Prosertek Harbor Equipments, 2024). The carbon released from Dubai port in 2022
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was reported as 3,355 ktCO2e (DP, 2023).
37
38 Measures:
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40 It is very important to take the following measures for ports to operate more efficiently, in an
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41 urban-friendly way, and with minimum environmental impacts.

42
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44 Governments may invest in expanding and upgrading port infrastructure to enhance capacity
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45 and efficiency. This could include the construction of new terminals, dredging channels, and
46 improving intermodal connectivity. Implementing advanced technologies such as automation,
47 artificial intelligence, and data analytics can optimize port operations, reduce delays, and
48 enhance efficiency.
49
50
51
Various plans have been made to reduce carbon emissions in Dubai port. The most important
52 are hybrid ferries, strategic partnerships with external companies, and experiments with low-
53 carbon alternative fuels. Additionally, achieving 22.1% renewable electricity supply across DP
54 World Group in 2022 through green tariffs, self-generation, and certificates of origin in the
55 Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Serbia, Brazil, Ecuador, Chile, and Dry Docks World in the
56 UAE Developments such as achieving 100% renewable electricity supply in operations show
57
that Dubai port is open to development in this regard (DP, 2023).
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3 As a result of the studies carried out in the Singapore port, 5-year targets have been determined
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as follows: starting the use of electric port ships by establishing charging infrastructure,
6 electrification of horizontal transportation and cargo handling equipment in terminals, starting
7 a biofuel pilot application with a framework for the adoption of cleaner fuel, emissions based
8 on LCA Certification/Accreditation. Commissioning tools for traceability and accounting of
9 reductions, creating methodologies for emissions, fuel quality, and quantity verification, using
10 LNG for horizontal transportation in terminals, carrying out studies on carbon capture,
11
conversion, and downstream use on the ship, integrated water-waste-energy within the port life
12
13
cycle. Transitioning to a circular economy, researching zero-carbon fuels such as hydrogen,
14 and using hydrogen fuel cells for horizontal transportation (MPA, 2023).
15
16 Governments may enact policy changes or regulatory reforms to streamline customs processes,
17 reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and improve overall logistics efficiency. Engaging with various
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stakeholders, including shipping companies, logistics providers, and customs authorities, is

19
crucial. Collaborative efforts can improve coordination and communication, minimizing delays
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21 and disruptions.
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23 Adequate training and development of port personnel can improve operational practices, safety,
24 and overall effectiveness in managing port activities. Developing robust contingency plans for
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25 handling emergencies or unexpected events, such as natural disasters or global disruptions, is

26 essential for minimizing the impact on port operations. Port authorities may adopt
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environmentally friendly practices, such as reducing emissions, implementing green
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29 technologies, and adhering to international standards for sustainable port management.

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31 Results:
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33 In this study, we examined the challenges faced by seven important port cities globally in their
34
transformation to adapt to the changing business model of ports. Our research focused on
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35
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identifying the problems and potential solutions related to the relationship between ports and
37 local communities, particularly regarding the impact of port activities on the environment,
38 noise pollution, and traffic congestion.
39
40 Our analysis revealed that the transformation of the business model of ports has brought about
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41 significant changes in how ports operate, becoming more efficient and cost-effective. However,
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this has also led to new challenges in their relationship with local communities, with concerns
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44 about the negative impacts of port activities on residents' quality of life in port cities.
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46 We found that the challenges faced by port cities varied depending on their location, size, and
47 level of development. For instance, some port cities faced significant environmental challenges
48 due to the high levels of pollution caused by port activities, while others struggled with traffic
49 congestion and noise pollution.
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51
52 Our research also identified several potential solutions to the challenges faced by port cities.
53 These included investing in sustainable infrastructure, promoting public transportation, and
54 engaging in dialogue with local communities to address their concerns and ensure their
55 participation in port decision-making.
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Overall, our study highlights the importance of balancing the benefits of the new business
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model of ports with the potential negative impacts on local communities and the environment.
60 It is essential to ensure that the concerns of local communities are taken into account in

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3 developing port strategies and policies to promote sustainable economic and social
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5
development in port cities.
6
7 Author contribution statement: Dr.Isilay Bilgic contributed study for conceptualisation, and
8 supervision, Dr.Caglar Akar contributed study for conceptualisation, methodology, and
9 writing. Dr. Hakan Cora contributed study for supervision. Prof.Dr. Ali Poyraz Gurson
10 contributed study for supervision.
11
12
13
Disclosure of interest: There are no interests to declare.
14
15 Funding: There is no funding for this study.
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17 Data Availability: The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are
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available within the article [and/or] its supplementary materials.

19
20
21
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22 References
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