Exploring the necessary upgrades in port infrastructure to accommodate and support the operation of the next-generation green ships

The transition to green shipping is critical for addressing the maritime industry’s environmental challenges amid rising concerns about climate change and pollution. Green ships utilize alternative fuels and innovative technologies to reduce their carbon footprint, necessitating substantial upgrades to port infrastructure. This study employs a positivist approach, using a quantitative research methodology to analyze the financial, technological, and environmental requirements for accommodating these vessels. A descriptive research design, coupled with stratified random sampling, captures stakeholder perceptions from diverse groups, including industry experts and port authority officials, through a Likert-scale questionnaire. The findings reveal strong consensus on the urgent need for improvements in docking facilities, modern fuel supply systems, and waste management, indicating financial and technological challenges. Stakeholders largely believe that adequate financial resources exist for these upgrades, emphasizing the importance of government funding and private investment. There is a general agreement that upgrading infrastructure will decrease carbon emissions, while calls for stricter regulatory enforcement and legal incentives persist. Overall, this research underscores the readiness of ports to accommodate green ships and highlights the potential for aligning investments with global sustainability goals. The originality of this study lies in its comprehensive analysis of stakeholder perceptions and the integration of multiple dimensions—financial, legal, environmental, and technical—in evaluating port infrastructure upgrades for green shipping.