Investigating the impact of Internet of Things on Egyptian ports sustainability

Abstract

There are increasing concerns on the environmental impact of port operations which resulted in pressing global issues such as adopting sustainable technologies to reduce environmental harmful impacts on ports. From the sustainability perspective, a port should manage and balance three aspects which are economic, social, and environmental impacts. Using Internet of things (IoT) technology could minimize the environmental harmful impacts on ports and increase their sustainability. This paper aims at investigating the impact of applying IoT technology on Egyptian ports' sustainability. A semi structured interview was conducted with a representative sample of different stakeholders (government, port authority, freight forwarders, importers and exporters), upon which the main challenges and obstacles to adopt IoT technology in the Egyptian ports were identified. The paper concluded with suggestions and recommendations to help practitioners to consider the applicability of IoT technology as a sustainability driver in the Egyptian ports.