This study focuses on an analysis of the dwell time of vessels in the Port of Sines jurisdiction area, between 2010 and 2023, as an indicator of operational efficiency, with the objective of analyzing the temporal patterns of vessel movements at the Port of Sines, aiming to understand how efficient the operations are. This research will enable the extraction of meaningful patterns from temporal data and the addressing of potential bottlenecks, enabling smother operations and optimized performance. A total of 157,515 records of vessel movements were analyzed using statistical modeling in Python (version 3.11.8). The overall average dwell time calculated for these 13 years was 0.55 days, for a medium number of port calls per year of 2199. This result highlights the operational efficiency of the Port of Sines, although the variability between the different terminals remains significant. The Multipurpose Terminal registered the longest dwell time (1.08 days), especially due to the diversity of cargo handled. In contrast, the Container Terminal had an average dwell time of 0.38 days. Anchoring frequency has emerged as critical for optimization. The implementation of just-in-time principles is proposed as a strategy to reduce anchorage times, enhance coordination and collaboration within the operational chain, and mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Notwithstanding the efficiency attained at the Port of Sines, this study suggests that further enhancement of its operational efficiency is feasible and desirable. This would contribute to the sustainability agenda and reinforce the port’s position in the global trade landscape.

This study focuses on the analysis of the dwell time of vessels at the Port of Sines jurisdiction ar-ea, between 2010 and 2023, as an indicator of operational efficiency. A total of 157,515 records of vessel movements were analysed, using statistical modelling in Python. The overall average dwell time calculated for these 13 years was 0.55 days, for a medium number of port calls per year of 2199. This result highlights the operational efficiency of the Port of Sines, although the variability between the different terminals remains significant. The Multipurpose terminal regis-tered the longest dwell time (1.08 days), especially due to the diversity of cargo handled. In con-trast, the Container terminal had an average dwell time of 0.38 days. The anchoring frequency has emerged as critical for optimization. The implementation of the Just-in-Time principles is proposed as a strategy to reduce anchorage times, enhance coordination and collaboration within the operational chain, and mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Notwithstanding the effi-ciency attained by the Port of Sines, this study suggests that further enhancement of its opera-tional efficiency is feasible and desirable. This would contribute to the sustainability agenda and reinforce the port's position in the global trade landscape.

Maritime transport contributes 2.9% of global greenhouse gas emissions, traditionally evaluated through operational fuel cycles while neglecting lifecycle impacts. This study redefines merchant ship recycling as a strategic front-end pillar for global decarbonization by assessing Embodied Carbon Trade-offs. Utilizing a mixed PRISMA systematic and semi-systematic methodology of literature from 2019–2025, we analyzed bulk carriers, container ships, and tankers across six thematic clusters. Our findings demonstrate that scenarios involving the potential decommissioning of up to 22.2% of the global merchant fleet exceeding 20 years of age could significantly mitigate lifecycle emissions by displacing primary iron-ore smelting with circular electric arc furnace marine-steel recovery. Crucially, this environmental dividend is non-linear and bound by regional energy matrices; under deeply decarbonized grids, this technological displacement can theoretically yield an upper-bound 72% emissions reduction, whereas fossil-heavy power supplies significantly diminish net mitigation margins. Practically, this research provides an operational roadmap for shipowners and regulators navigating the Hong Kong Convention and carbon border mechanisms. This work concludes that sustainable shipbreaking has the potential to function as an economically viable, strategic reservoir of low-carbon raw materials essential for achieving international net-zero targets throughout the entire shipping structural lifecycle.

The maritime transport sector is vital for global trade, yet it continues to be a significant source of air pollution in port cities due to its reliance on fossil fuels. This review summarizes empirical and epidemiological evidence on the emissions of Heavy Fuel Oil and transitional alternatives, such as Liquefied Natural Gas, with a focus on their contribution to local concentrations. Shipping-related emissions account for a substantial proportion of air pollution across multiple coastal urban regions, particularly during maneuvering and hoteling operations. The reviewed studies consistently associate these emissions with an increased risk of respiratory and cardiovascular morbidity and premature mortality among populations living near ports. While sulphur-focused regulations, notably IMO 2020, have achieved significant reductions in SO₂ emissions, the literature indicates that nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter remain largely unmitigated. This review concludes that existing regulatory frameworks only partially address the health-related externalities of maritime transport. To address this market failure, the review argues for an integrated policy approach that combines market-based measures with port-level incentives and operational controls to reduce emissions at berth, thereby aligning shipping practices with public health objectives and the sustainable development goals.

The maritime sector faces urgent decarbonization challenges within the framework of global climate targets