Maritime transport represents the backbone of global trade, as more than 80% of the world's goods are transported by sea. Containerization has revolutionized maritime logistics by enabling faster and more efficient transport, significantly increasing the capacity of supply chains. Container terminals are a key part of port infrastructure, facilitating the handling and storage of containers while ensuring efficient connections between maritime and land transport. Their development and operation directly impact global logistics, port competitiveness, and broader economic flows.
This research focuses on the trends in the development of container terminals, examining the directions of terminal development in relation to global demands for increased capacity and productivity, as well as their ability and effectiveness in pursuing sustainability goals.
In the first part of the thesis, we analysed the role of container terminals in modern supply chains, addressing their impact on transport efficiency and the importance of infrastructure and superstructure in optimizing terminal operations. Special emphasis was placed on the sustainability aspects of their development, such as the use of renewable energy sources, digitalization and automation of processes, and the optimization of logistics flows, which contribute to higher productivity and reduced environmental impact.
The second part of the thesis presents a comparative analysis of three selected container terminals Koper, Trieste, and Rijeka. Their development, infrastructure, operational efficiency, and the impact of sustainability measures on productivity were analysed. Particular attention was given to the impact of increasingly larger vessels and growing cargo throughput on terminal capacity, as well as the necessary infrastructure adaptations to maintain competitiveness in the future. Through this comparative analysis, we assessed how individual terminals are adapting to sustainability requirements and what strategies they employ to enhance efficiency while reducing their environmental footprint.
The thesis provides insight into the importance of balanced development, which strengthens competitiveness while simultaneously reducing negative environmental and societal impacts. The research results offer a better understanding of the link between sustainable development and the productivity of container terminals, as well as guidelines for the future development of terminals in accordance with the principles of sustainable logistics.
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