Port sustainability studies are increasing rapidly and are skewed toward environmental aspects, while at the same time their results are fragmented, making it difficult to collectively assess conclusions. This study, therefore, aims at building a framework which categorises port actions, measures, and implementation schemes (policy tools to improve the uptake), utilising the critical literature review method. Additionally, linkage of port sustainability to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) is highlighted. Port sustainability includes internal (port side) and external (ships and land transport) actions and measures. The study results form 16 homogeneous and interconnected sustainability categories, including a non-exhaustive list of operationalising measures, encompassing the three dimensions of sustainability (environment, economy and society) while implementation schemes are divided into four groups. Considering that ports are under scrutiny and perceiving growing pressure to improve their sustainable pathways, for example by addressing climate change and energy consumption, the identified ports’ sustainability actions and measures, including the linkage with the UN SDGs, are overarching and multidimensional and seen as a step in achieving far-reaching sustainable implementation. The study’s practical implications guide port policymakers and industry practitioners to go beyond the low hanging fruit (customary practices), and enable them to take reliable decisions for broader sustainability implementation. Additionally, the identified research implications stimulate further academic discussions.

Industries worldwide are facing the urgent need to decarbonise in alignment with the goal of the Paris Agreement (PA), which aims to limit global warming. However, progress towards achieving this extremely important goal has been sluggish, and the wider maritime transport sector (ports included) is no exception. Despite practical barriers faced by ports, solutions have not yet been developed. Similarly, the definition or concept of decarbonisation, including opportunities arising for the port sector, remains underdeveloped and lacks support from academic research. Specifically, there are a lack of conceptual studies that yield clear and usable results and evidence. To address this gap and shed light on port decarbonisation as a contemporary issue (the study aim), this study has conducted a literature review consulting different academic and grey studies. The results of this study define the concept of port decarbonisation, highlight the barriers that hinder progress in this area, and establish solutions to guide ports in implementing decarbonisation measures and mitigating barriers. Building upon these findings, this study not only contributes to scholarly discussions surrounding port decarbonisation but also offers valuable implications for port managers, policy makers, practitioners, and other pertinent authorities. By properly understanding the concept of decarbonisation and its barriers and expanding knowledge in relation to it and its practical implementation, including the eye-opening opportunities, port stakeholders can actively contribute to the objective of the Paris Agreement and the broader pursuit of sustainability.