The concept of the blue economy, the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and the health of ocean ecosystems, has gained significant momentum in recent years. At the heart of this transformation lies maritime transportation, which is a driver of economic opportunity and a contributor to environmental impact. As global maritime trade expands, there is a critical need to reimagine the sector to align with the principles of sustainability, resilience, health, and equity.
This Research Topic invites multidisciplinary contributions that explore the nexus among maritime transportation, the blue economy, and climate change. We welcome studies that examine how ports, shipping lines, and policy-makers are adapting to environmental regulations, integrating decarbonization technologies, promoting sustainable transport to improve public health, and embracing innovation such as hydrogen shipping, AI for maritime logistics, green port initiatives, and digital twins.
Topics could include, but are not limited to, low-emission vessel design, infrastructure resilience to climate change, sustainable port development, green transport on public health, circular economy applications in maritime logistics, and regional cooperation in blue economy governance. Manuscripts focusing narrowly on vessel and port design and operational details, without a policy connection, will not be considered.
The Research Topic also seeks to highlight the challenges facing developing economies and island nations, where maritime transport is both a lifeline and a potential vulnerability. We encourage submissions from global case studies, particularly those showcasing stakeholder collaboration, data-driven policymaking, and inclusive growth strategies.
By gathering perspectives from scholars, practitioners, and policy experts, this collection will provide critical insights into how maritime transportation can evolve to support a sustainable and equitable blue economy. This is particularly timely as the IMO, UNCTAD, and regional bodies amplify their focus on climate adaptation, sustainable shipping, and innovation.
Contributions can take the form of original research, systematic reviews, policy papers, or case study reports. Together, these works will chart a course for a resilient and forward-looking maritime sector, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (especially SDG 9, 13, and 14).
This Research Topic welcomes submissions linked to the International Forum on Shipping, Ports and Airports (IFSPA) Conference 2026, serving as a dedicated platform for the themes discussed at the event.
Article types and fees
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Data Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
General Commentary
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Mini Review
Opinion
Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.
Article types
This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
Brief Research Report
Data Report
Editorial
FAIR² Data
General Commentary
Hypothesis and Theory
Methods
Mini Review
Opinion
Original Research
Perspective
Policy and Practice Reviews
Policy Brief
Review
Systematic Review
Technology and Code
Keywords: Blue Economy, Sustainable Maritime Transportation, Green Port Innovation, Climate Resilience, Decarbonization Technologies
Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
