Navigating Ports and the Circular Economy: Transitioning Fossil Fuel Ports for a Sustainable Future

This forward-thinking book offers an actionable roadmap to reinventing fossil fuel ports as circular economy precincts. The authors advocate for decarbonised ports that recover materials, host clean energy production plants, and support new industries. With coordinated effort, ports can cut emissions, create skilled jobs, attract investment and improve local environments.

Using real-world cases, the book provides clear guidance on assessing existing assets and hinterland strengths, launching low-risk pilot projects, scaling proven technologies, redesigning business models and aligning policy, finance and governance. Chapters cover industrial symbiosis, renewable power, digital and automation solutions, funding options, and community engagement, with checklists, metrics and practical examples.

Navigating Ports and the Circular Economy is an essential resource for students and scholars in transport and maritime studies, industrial ecology and sustainability. It is also a beneficial guide for port leaders, policymakers, investors and communities seeking a credible path from fossil fuel dependence to resilient, low‑carbon growth.

Veronica Schulz, Senior Researcher, Kühne Logistics University, Germany, Michael G.H. Bell, Professor of Ports and Maritime Logistics, John M. Rose, Neil Smith Research Chair in Sustainable Transport Futures and Glenn Geers, Adjunct Professor, Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, University of Sydney, Australia