Navigating the Net-Zero Transition: Port Decarbonisation Strategies under Integrated ISO and ESG Frameworks

This scoping review examines port decarburization strategies within the framework of integrated ISO standards and ESG principles to understand how maritime infrastructure is navigating the global net-zero transition. The findings reveal that technological and operational strategies, particularly electrification, alternative fuels, and smart logistics, dominate current practices, supported by ISO 14001-driven emission reductions and renewable energy integration. Governance dimensions, including ESG disclosures and risk management, provide transparency and accountability, while social aspects such as workforce transition and community engagement remain comparatively underexplored. Integration insights highlight successful cases in ports like Rotterdam, Singapore, and Durban, demonstrating the potential of ISO–ESG alignment to drive innovation and stakeholder trust. However, challenges persist, particularly in the Global South, where fragmented adoption, limited resources, and lack of harmonization hinder widespread implementation. The study contributes to the literature by mapping thematic dimensions, exposing inequities in adoption, and emphasizing the need for harmonized frameworks and capacity-building measures. Strategic implications suggest that embedding integrated ISO–ESG approaches not only strengthens environmental and governance performance but also positions ports as enablers of global sustainability transitions. The review concludes with policy, practical, and research recommendations to bridge existing gaps and ensure that port decarbonization contributes equitably to the net-zero agenda.