Implementing Circular Economy in Seaports: Theory and Practice
Purpose: This article aims to analyse and compare the implementation of circular economy (CE) solutions in three leading seaports of North-West Europe—Rotterdam, Antwerp-Bruges, and Hamburg—and to identify the key factors that determine the effectiveness of circular strategies in large industrial port ecosystems. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study adopts a benchmarking approach based on a comparative analysis of CE initiatives implemented in the selected ports. The analysis covers strategic, infrastructural, and operational dimensions of circularity, focusing on waste management, industrial symbiosis, renewable energy deployment, water reuse, and technological innovation. Data were collected from port strategies, sustainability reports, and international sectoral databases. Findings: The results reveal significant differences in the maturity of CE initiatives across the analysed ports. Antwerp-Bruges and Rotterdam demonstrate highly advanced solutions in industrial symbiosis, energy recovery, and the development of large-scale circular industrial districts, whereas Hamburg shows strong progress in technological innovation and decarbonisation-oriented projects. Practical Implications: Although the beneficial reuse of dredged material is currently the most developed CE area among European ports, industrial symbiosis and heat reuse remain in the early stages in most cases. Across all ports, municipal and mixed waste streams represent an important yet still underutilised resource for circular processing. Originality/Value: The findings underscore the need for more integrated waste-handling infrastructures, stronger cross-sectoral partnerships, and increased investment in technologies enabling reuse, recycling, and resource recovery. The benchmarking results may serve as a reference for other EU ports seeking to advance CE strategies and align with the EU Green Deal, Fit for 55, and CEAP requirements.