Forthcoming Articles

International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics

International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics (IJSTL)

Forthcoming articles have been peer-reviewed and accepted for publication but are pending final changes, are not yet published and may not appear here in their final order of publication until they are assigned to issues. Therefore, the content conforms to our standards but the presentation (e.g. typesetting and proof-reading) is not necessarily up to the Inderscience standard. Additionally, titles, authors, abstracts and keywords may change before publication. Articles will not be published until the final proofs are validated by their authors.

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International Journal of Shipping and Transport Logistics (3 papers in press)

Regular Issues

  • The impact of port throughput and throughput growth on sulphur-oxide concentrations in Chinas coastal ports: boosters or brakes   Order a copy of this article
    by Jihong Chen, Yejun Liu, Lang Xu, Chengkun Liu, Yusheng Zhou 
    Abstract: This study investigates how port throughput scale and throughput growth relate to sulphur-oxides (SOX) concentrations at 18 major coastal ports in China. Using a port-year panel dataset over 2005-2019 and combining satellite-based SOX observations with a consistent set of port operational indicators, we apply quantile regression to examine nonlinearities and distributional heterogeneity. The results suggest an EKC-type pattern in which expanding throughput can increase SOX in earlier stages, whereas further expansion can coincide with reduced SOX as ports modernise and compliance capacity strengthens. We also document pronounced regional and scale heterogeneity: northern and eastern ports exhibit an inverted-U relationship between throughput and SOX, while southern ports show a U-shaped pattern. Overall, high-throughput ports tend to exert stronger impacts on SOX outcomes, underscoring the role of operational intensity. These findings imply that mitigation policies should be tailored to port-specific characteristics, including development stage, scale and regional context.
    Keywords: coastal port; environmental Kuznets curve; EKC; sulphur-oxide concentration; quantile regression; throughput growth; China.
    DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2026.10077108
     
  • Application of job-shop scheduling for harbor operation optimisation   Order a copy of this article
    by Pamela Ramos, Werner Soares, Lucas Lima, Hans Vangheluwe 
    Abstract: This paper presents an optimised approach to scheduling tugboats for an outsourced port company in Europes second-largest seaport. Using allowed data from 2022, we developed a one-day operational scenario for harbor activities. By implementing an integer programming model with OR-Tools, tugboat operators can improve their scheduling processes, ensuring more efficient resource utilisation. We recommend adopting a mathematical model to address the job-shop scheduling problem, considering the critical factors relevant to Belgian harbor operations. A genetic algorithm was also employed as an alternative method to solve the issue under the specific conditions studied. The proposed model provides the port with a structured process to meet its operational needs. These methods demonstrate that tugboat scheduling decisions can be optimised efficiently and may serve as a reference for other ports and organisations facing similar operational challenges.
    Keywords: job-shop scheduling; operational research tools; genetic algorithm; optimisation; harbor.
    DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2026.10077607
     
  • A new hybrid MCDM approach based on fuzzy DEMATEL and ARAS-G for evaluating the sustainable logistics performance of EU countries   Order a copy of this article
    by Gül Alışar Kayar, İlker İbrahim Avşar 
    Abstract: In line with the importance of global trade and environmental sustainability, sustainable logistics performance (SLP) has become a research topic in academia and practice. Logistics operations support economic growth, yet their environmental impacts remain a concern. This study examines the integration of sustainability principles into logistics from environmental, economic and operational perspectives. To address the knowledge gap, it develops an approach for criterion weighting and country rankings in SLP measurement. Using hybrid fuzzy and grey multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods, the study evaluates the SLP of European Union (EU) countries using nine years of Eurostat data. A hybrid MCDM model combining fuzzy DEMATEL and ARAS-G is proposed. The analysis evaluates the SLP of 26 EU countries across five criteria and identifies the Netherlands, Estonia, France, Italy, and Spain as the top-performing countries. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the models reliability, confirming its robustness and consistency in the evaluation results.
    Keywords: sustainable logistics; performance; multi-criteria decision making; MCDM; fuzzy DEMATEL; ARAS-G.
    DOI: 10.1504/IJSTL.2026.10077806
     

 

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