Efficiency and Sustainability in UK Ports: Balancing Operations and Environmental Management

This study uses a slack-based network model and undesirable output approach to assess the operational and environmental efficiency of eight major UK container ports. To better measure environmental management, pollutants such as sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM) are considered. The results reveal significant differences in port performance, with the ports of Southampton, London, Tees and Hartlepool ranking highest in both operational and environmental dimensions, while the ports of Hull and Belfast are inefficient. The results also highlight the trade-off between operational performance and environmental sustainability, indicating that high throughput is not necessarily associated with low emissions. This study provides practical insights for policymakers and port operators and advocates for investment in emission control technologies, stricter regulations, and sustainable practices. By integrating operational and environmental factors, this study provides a framework for sustainable port management and enhances the global competitiveness of UK ports.