Benchmarking analysis for sustainability practices of Green Port Initiatives at Northport (Malaysia) Berhad with other selected port in urban future development

Port industries are crucial as the primary transport modes for transportation of goods. Globalisation has transformed trading patterns, making ports the vital hubs in the supply chain. However, ports operation causing significant pollution, contributing to the increasing level of global emissions that necessitates port to decarbonise. Consequently, major ports around the world have started implementing Green Port Initiatives (GPIs) to address these issues. This research aims to benchmark the GPIs at Northport with the chosen international and local ports to ensure the sustainability of its GPIs and align with urban planning objectives, such as reducing pollution and enhancing resilience. The study utilises the SWOT and PESTEL analyses to assess the internal and external factors influencing the sustainability of the GPIs. Data was collected through interviews and reviews of GPIs implemented at Northport and compared to those selected ports. The findings reveal that Northport excels in areas such as GPIs planning, energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and continuous monitoring. Despite high implementation costs, GPIs lead to energy savings and improved its revenues. Moreover, adherence to international standards is critical not only for Northport sustainability but to remain competitive too. Benchmarking against industry standards is vital for continuous improvement and ensuring that port development complements sustainable urban planning frameworks, creating liveable, resilient, and economically vibrant urban area.