This paper explores the role of port electrification in supporting the maritime sector’s green transition, focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability. Using the PESTLE framework, it analyses political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental factors that shape the implementation of electrification measures across port operations. Drawing on insights from an extensive literature review, the research identifies key drivers and barriers to the deployment of technologies such as Shore-Side Electricity Onshore Power Supply (SSE-OPS), electric cargo-handling equipment, charging hubs for trucks, and retrofitting actions. The analysis reveals that while regulations and long-term benefits encourage action, challenges remain—particularly high investment costs, regulatory uncertainty, and technological limitations. Economic and technological factors appear most influential across measures. To support decision-making, this paper synthesizes the evidence into prioritization guidance that indicates which electrification measures are most promising for ports under current regulatory, financial, and technological conditions.
