Work

Green Port Policy: Planning and Implementation of Environmental Projects—Case Study of the Port of Gaženica

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The port of Gaženica, managed by the Port Authority of Zadar, is open to public traffic of special economic interest to the Republic of Croatia. Situated outside Zadar’s city centre, with convenient access to the airport and A1 highway, this port presents significant opportunities for Zadar County’s economic growth. While also serving as a cargo and fishing port, as the second-largest passenger port in Croatia, the port of Gaženica prioritises the development of cruise ship traffic. The expansion of intermodal traffic is being facilitated through the development of a multipurpose terminal to accommodate general, roll-on/roll-off, and containerised cargo (full and empty containers). The rising number of passenger ships—particularly cruise ships—along with the increasing passenger, vehicle, and cargo traffic, poses a significant risk of pollution due to dust, noise, greenhouse gases, and other pollutants. Considering these risks, the use of alternative energy sources, decarbonisation of maritime transport, the separation of waste by type, and the proper handling and disposal of ship waste are of utmost importance. The aim of this study is to present and analyse the green transition process of the port of Gaženica through the results that have been achieved or are yet to be achieved through the implementation of green projects by the Port Authority of Zadar. For this purpose, a mixed-methods approach combining project analysis and the qualitative analysis of emissions data is used. It is important to highlight that the method of interviews with relevant representatives of institutions involved in the project was also used to gain insight into financial and infrastructural challenges, the accessibility of certain data, and potential improvements in implementation. The research results indicate that the port of Gaženica has completed four green projects, while another four are currently being implemented, with their completion expected by 2026. The research concludes that it is necessary to strengthen environmental awareness regarding proper waste disposal among all stakeholders in maritime transport, including the local community, businesses, and local authorities. The results demonstrate a need to focus on certification with the aim of strengthening the green transition process through involvement in the EcoPorts and Green Award certification schemes. It is also necessary to actively improve the public availability of data from the base station in the port of Gaženica to inform the public about environmental impacts in real time (24/7) while facilitating data collection for statistical reporting purposes.

Source: Sustainability

DOI: 10.3390/su17219557

Authors: Ljiljana Peričin, Luka Grbić, Šime Vučetić, Marko Šundov

Institution: University of Zadar

Language: English

Topic: Maritime Ports and Logistics

Subfield: Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities, Responsible consumption and production, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896