International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics (4 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Mapping global ESG discourse in logistics: a semantic and trend-based analysis of news media narratives  
  by Jihan Shin, Gwanyong Oh, Haobing Liu, Daejin Kim 
  Abstract: This study examines global trends in the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles within the logistics sector using a large-scale analysis of 4,764 news articles published between 2015 and 2024. Using term frequency-inverse document frequency (TF-IDF) and semantic clustering with the universal sentence encoder (USE), the study identifies dominant themes, temporal dynamics, and cross-national variations in ESG-related logistics discourse. Findings show a clear prominence of environmental topics, especially carbon footprint reduction and sustainable packaging, while social and governance themes appear less consistently represented. Mann-Kendall trend tests reveal strong upward trajectories in areas such as labour rights, safety, and sustainability innovation. Cross-country correlation analysis indicates that ESG discourse intensity is moderately associated with national gross domestic product (GDP) but shows minimal alignment with performance indicators, including the logistics performance index (LPI), institutional shareholder services (ISS) ESG ratings, the environmental performance index (EPI), the human development index (HDI), and governance metrics. The study provides a scalable, media-based analytical framework that complements firm-level ESG research and offers strategic insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders.
  Keywords: environmental; social and governance; ESG; logistics; news media analysis; TF-IDF; Semantic clustering; cross-national ESG discourse.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2026.10079849
   
  
• Impact of digital transformation on sustainable performance: an empirical study on Mediterranean ports  
  by Bouchra Serroukh, Asmae Aakaou, Rahhal Lahrach, Aziz El Khazzar, Mohammed Réda Korikache 
  Abstract: This study examines the impact of digital transformation on the three pillars of sustainable performance in Mediterranean ports. Anchored in the technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework and the theory of sustainable innovation capabilities, it analyses both the direct and indirect effects of digital transformation through the mediating role of sustainable innovation capability. Using SmartPLS, the analysis is based on 425 observations collected from employees across 78 Mediterranean ports. The findings reveal that environmental and organisational factors positively drive digital transformation, leading to improved environmental, economic, and social performance. The mediating effect of sustainable innovation capability is significant, reinforcing environmental and social outcomes while slightly reducing economic performance. This research contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence from the Mediterranean context and offering managerial insights to support balanced digital and sustainable transition strategies in port operations.
  Keywords: digital transformation; TOE framework; sustainable performance; environmental performance; economic performance; social performance; sustainable innovation capability; Mediterranean ports; port management.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2026.10080169
   
  
• Decoding newbuilding price volatility: a high-dimensional data fusion framework with hybrid kernel RVM and managerial implications  
  by Wenyang Wang, Keran Li, Xinran Liu, Jibin Zhou 
  Abstract: Newbuilding price volatility poses systemic risks to the maritime industry. To address the Dimensionality Mismatch in existing models, this study proposes an intelligent probabilistic forecasting framework that integrates high-dimensional data fusion with an adaptive Hybrid Kernel relevance vector machine (RVM). We use a 249-variable dataset and employ the maximal information coefficient and K-Shape clustering for feature extraction. The novel Dual-Track hybrid kernel captures both long-term macroeconomic trends and short-term shocks, outperforming Black Box models in accuracy and interpretability. Empirical results confirm superior predictive performance against state-of-the-art baselines. Crucially, the model identifies an 8-month lag in transmission between Chinese real estate investment and ship prices. This insight offers stakeholders a valuable window of opportunity for counter-cyclical investment and effective risk management in a turbulent market.
  Keywords: newbuilding price forecasting; high-dimensional data fusion; hybrid kernel; relevance vector machine; RVM; market volatility; maritime logistics decision-making.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2026.10080310
   
  
• Optimising gate assignments at container terminals: a simulation-based approach integrating truck appointment systems to minimise environmental footprint  
  by Havva Inal, Mehmet Sinan Yıldırım, Ziya Çakıcı 
  Abstract: Effective truck arrival and gate assignment management at marine container terminals is essential for reducing congestion and environmental impacts. This study integrates a truck appointment system (TAS) and a gate assignment system (GAS) within a simulation-optimisation framework using a genetic algorithm and a cost model. The proposed approach improves gate operations, reduces queuing delays, and lowers environmental and operating costs. Results show that the integrated model reduced the number of operational gates and achieved up to 26.14% cost savings in the low-emission-penalty scenario compared with the No-GAS case. However, when gate operating costs dominated the objective function, some truck types experienced higher delays in specific time windows, whereas higher emission penalties kept more gates open and reduced overall delay. Sensitivity analysis showed that GAS remained beneficial under moderate disruption, although its advantage declined as truck arrival delays increased. The framework offers a flexible approach for improving landside terminal operations.
  Keywords: marine container terminal; truck appointment system; TAS; gate assignment; simulation-optimisation; genetic algorithm; discrete event simulation; queuing management; gate operations; emission reduction; operating cost; landside logistics; sustainable terminal management; disruption analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2026.10080459