Impact of container reverse logistics on the maritime sector : economic and environmental factors

This paper investigates the growing problem of abandoned maritime containers and the lack of effective reverse logistics to manage them: Background: The research highlights the significant environmental impact and economic burdens caused by the imbalance of container inflow and outflow, which leads to the accumulation of containers in storage yards; Methods: The study used the Delphi Method, gathering insights from a panel of experts in container transport and maintenance. The goal was to identify key challenges and potential solutions for improving container reverse logistics in Portugal; Results: The results confirm the urgent need for efficient reverse logistics strategies to address the container imbalance. The experts reached over 60% consensus on the importance of developing logistics systems and improving communication between ports. Implementing these strategies would not only reduce economic costs but also significantly lower environmental pollution; Conclusions: The paper concludes that a strategic shift toward effective reverse logistics is essential for enhancing the sustainability and operational efficiency of the maritime transport sector.