Role of Cargo Owner in Logistic Chain Sustainability

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The goal of the study is to comprehend the role cargo owners play in maritime-based logistics chains' adoption of sustainable practices. The following are the goals: In order to: 1) comprehend the characteristics of cargo owners that influence sustainable practices in maritime-based logistics chains; 2) identify the elements describing cargo owners; and 3) identify the factors characterizing sustainable practices in maritime-based logistics networks.

The findings support various implications of cargo owners' business traits on environmentally friendly transportation, preventing pollution, and corporate social responsibility in maritime-based logistics chains.

The subject of the article is very interesting and the authors claim to contribute to the literature and practice.

However, I have a few suggestions for the authors to improve the article.

1-) The contribution of the article to the literature and practice should be strongly presented.

2-) The authors should explain in detail why they preferred the SEM method.

3-) The concluding section of the article seems rushed. This section should be revised and expanded.

The article needs proofread.

Author Response

The goal of the study is to comprehend the role cargo owners play in maritime-based logistics chains' adoption of sustainable practices. The following are the goals: In order to: 1) comprehend the characteristics of cargo owners that influence sustainable practices in maritime-based logistics chains; 2) identify the elements describing cargo owners; and 3) identify the factors characterizing sustainable practices in maritime-based logistics networks.

The findings support various implications of cargo owners' business traits on environmentally friendly transportation, preventing pollution, and corporate social responsibility in maritime-based logistics chains.

The subject of the article is very interesting and the authors claim to contribute to the literature and practice.

However, I have a few suggestions for the authors to improve the article.

1-) The contribution of the article to the literature and practice should be strongly presented.

2-) The authors should explain in detail why they preferred the SEM method.

3-) The concluding section of the article seems rushed. This section should be revised and expanded.

 

Authors:

 

Thank you for your positive feedback on the subject of the article and the authors' aim to contribute to the literature and practice. I appreciate your suggestions for improvement. Here's a response addressing each of your points:

 

1. The article's contribution to the literature and practice was emphasized more prominently in the revised version. The authors recognize the importance of clearly highlighting the novel insights and implications their study brings to the field.
2. The concluding section of the article was revised and expanded to ensure it effectively summarizes the key findings and insights obtained from the study. The authors as take the time to address any rushed aspects and provide a comprehensive conclusion that aligns with the overall quality of the article.

 

The article's primary contributions to the literature and practice include:

Understanding the role of cargo owners in the adoption of sustainable practices in maritime-based logistics chains: The study aims to comprehensively comprehend the characteristics of cargo owners that influence sustainable practices in such logistics chains. By examining this aspect, the article fills a gap in the existing literature and provides valuable insights into the key players and their impact on sustainability.

The article identifies and explores the various elements that describe cargo owners in the context of sustainable practices in maritime-based logistics networks. This identification enhances our understanding of the specific factors and attributes associated with cargo owners' involvement in sustainable initiatives.

The study identifies and characterizes the factors that contribute to sustainable practices in maritime-based logistics networks. By elucidating these factors, the article offers practical guidance for implementing sustainable measures in the industry, thereby facilitating environmentally friendly transportation, pollution prevention, and corporate social responsibility.

The importance of understanding the role of cargo owners and shippers in the sustainability of transportation once the demand for maritime transportation can be a "silver bullet" for emissions reduction, potentially outweighing the significance of sustainable maritime fuels. This insight indicates that cargo owners and shippers, as majores emitters of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) and significant users of maritime transportation, have the power to drive sustainable change.

Industries with high energy-intensive and carbon-intensive raw material processing, such as the steel industry, can play a crucial role in reducing emissions and lead to a structural shift in maritime transportation demand and a simultaneous reduction in CO2 emissions.

The significance of these insights lies in the need for various actors, including cargo owners, shippers, industries, and governments, to recognize the importance of their roles in shaping sustainable transportation practices.

It is importante a global recalibration of trade, favoring pioneers in the maritime transportation industry who establish partnerships with clients and secure long-term and high volumes contracts for green shipping. This underscores the importance of collaboration and forward-thinking approaches in driving sustainability.

This research emphasizes the need for stakeholders to align their actions and collectively contribute to achieving sustainable transportation goals. By understanding their roles and making informed decisions, cargo owners and shippers can have a significant impact on reducing emissions and driving sustainable practices in the transportation sector.

These contributions to the literature and practice offer valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the field of maritime-based logistics and sustainable practices. The revised version of the article ensure that these contributions are prominently emphasized, highlighting the novelty and implications of the study's findings.

 

 

3. The authors provide a detailed explanation in the article regarding their preference for the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method. They understand the need to justify this choice and provide a solid rationale for its suitability in addressing their research objectives.

The authors preferred the use of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in this study because it offers several advantages when dealing with surveys using a long Likert scale of 7 points to gather expert opinions on various variables.

Firstly, SEM allows for a quantitative analysis of the relationships and comparisons between variables. It enables the researchers to assess the strength and significance of the connections between different constructs, providing a rigorous statistical framework for evaluating the relationships.

Secondly, SEM accommodates the subjective nature of the Likert scale responses. While Likert scales capture subjective opinions, SEM enables the researchers to model and quantify these subjective assessments. By treating the Likert scale responses as observed indicators of latent variables, SEM allows for the estimation of underlying constructs and their interrelationships.

Moreover, SEM offers the capability to incorporate measurement error in the analysis. Likert scales may have inherent measurement error due to subjective interpretation or response biases. SEM accounts for this measurement error and provides more accurate estimates of the relationships between variables.

Furthermore, SEM facilitates the visual examination of complex models with multiple dependent and independent variables. It allows for the simultaneous assessment of both direct and indirect effects, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the relationships among the variables.

The choice of SEM in this study with a Likert scale of 7 points was driven by its ability to provide a quantitative analysis of expert opinions, allowing for comparisons and relationships between variables. Despite relying on subjective opinions, SEM enables the researchers to obtain meaningful insights and draw robust conclusions from the data.

 

Once again, thank you for your valuable feedback. The authors carefully considered these suggestions to enhance the article and provide a more comprehensive contribution to the field.

 

 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The article needs proofread.

The english language will be improved.

 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

The paper aims to identify which characteristics of cargo owners are essential in adopting sustainable practices in logistic chains. The research is based on structural equation methodology applied to significant responses from Portuguese companies involved in the maritime transport field.

The paper is well structured. The research objectives and overall research framework are well defined. Also, the methodology is well described. Nevertheless, in Section 4, I would recommend a more explicit description of the structural model (lines 357 – 401): the overall structure is clear from the previous sections, but it is not clear how the model was developed (or which tools were used to apply the model) and how the values of the fit and correlation indices were obtained. Additionally, the meaning of presented indices should be specified.

Author Response

 

Reviwer 2

 

The paper aims to identify which characteristics of cargo owners are essential in adopting sustainable practices in logistic chains. The research is based on structural equation methodology applied to significant responses from Portuguese companies involved in the maritime transport field.

The paper is well structured. The research objectives and overall research framework are well defined. Also, the methodology is well described.

Nevertheless, in Section 4, I would recommend a more explicit description of the structural model (lines 357 – 401): the overall structure is clear from the previous sections, but it is not clear how the model was developed (or which tools were used to apply the model) and how the values of the fit and correlation indices were obtained. Additionally, the meaning of presented indices should be specified.

 

Thank you, Reviewer 2, for your feedback.

The authors appreciate your positive comments regarding the structure of the paper, the well-defined research objectives, and the clear description of the methodology.

Regarding Section 4, the authors acknowledge your suggestion for a more explicit description of the structural model. In the revised version, they provide a detailed explanation of how the model was developed, including the tools used to apply the model. They also specify how the values of the fit and correlation indices were obtained, as well as provide the meanings of the presented indices. The authors recognize the importance of addressing these points to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the structural model.

Once again, thank you for your valuable feedback. The authors made the necessary revisions to address your suggestions and enhance the clarity of the paper.

 

In developing the structural model, multiple steps were taken to ensure a high level of goodness-of-fit. These steps involved assessing the internal consistency, convergent validity, and unidimensionality of the models, as outlined by Hair et al. (1998). One specific model employed in this study considered 'Cargo Owners Business Characteristics' as a second-order construct. This construct served as a mediator between the independent first-order constructs characterizing the cargo owner's business (on the left side of the model) and the dependent first-order constructs characterizing the sustainable practices in the maritime logistics chain (on the right side of the model). Each first-order construct was derived from observed variables that were associated in the SEM model. The selection of these observed variables was based on a literature review and took into consideration their significant coefficients, as described in Tables 1 and 2.  The goodness-of-fit results of the model were assessed using various indices. These indices included a chi-square value of 2654.618 (p ≤ .01), a chi-square to degrees of freedom ratio of 2.897, a Goodness-of-Fit Index (GFI) of 0.90, and a Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) of 0.118. These goodness-of-fit indices provide evidence of how well the proposed model fits the data. The obtained values indicate an acceptable fit between the model and the observed data, suggesting that the structural model adequately represents the relationships among the variables.  By following these steps and obtaining satisfactory goodness-of-fit results, the study ensures the robustness and validity of the structural model in examining the relationships between cargo owners' business characteristics and sustainable practices in the maritime logistics chain.

Cargo owners' business characteristics are especially identified by the size of shipments and the relationship they have with transport service providers (β=.87), by the sector framework with evidence of sector and environmental regulation, green taxes, and the weight of transport costs in the sector (β=.42), and also by the management characteristics of the companies, which contribute to the commitment and alignment of sustainable practices with transport, green associative models, and the use of sus-tainability indicators for higher environmental requirements (β=.25). The type of transport contract, which includes long-term contracts and the use of full ships and containers, contributes very little as a business characteristic of cargo owners (β=.09).

The sustainable practices of maritime-port logistics chains adopted by cargo owners' businesses differently influence the five factors of sustainable practices: 1) pollution prevention in transport (β=.91;R2=.83), involving pollution prevention care by recy-cling and reusing waste, recycling packaging, and carbon retention; 2) green logistics chains (β=.67;R2=.45), explained by the use of green logistics chains that integrate effi-cient technologies and transformation chains, collaboration for transport reduction, and smart eco-driving; 3) social responsibility (β=.54; R2=.29), explained by the com-mitment to social responsibility focused on States with a strong sense of justice, fair wages, and gender equality; 4) green fuels (β=.79; R2=.62), which considers the care for adopting green fuels, using ammonia or methanol, hydrogen utilization, and captured carbon, LNG, and HVO; and 5) green modes of transport (β=.97; R2=.95), identified by green transport modes, rail, and maritime, by using electric engines, efficient transport, and green port logistics operations. Each factor represents specific actions and consid-erations related to sustainability in maritime-port logistics chains, such as recycling and reusing waste, utilizing efficient technologies and collaboration for transport re-duction, promoting social responsibility and fair wages, adopting green fuels, and us-ing environmentally friendly transport modes. In a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) model, β (beta) and R2 (R-squared) are statistical measures used to assess the relationships and explained variance in the model. β (beta): β represents the standard-ized path coefficients or standardized regression weights in an SEM model. It indicates the strength and direction of the relationships between the variables in the model. Each β coefficient corresponds to the effect of one variable on another variable. A posi-tive β coefficient indicates a positive relationship, a negative β coefficient indicates a negative relationship, and the magnitude of the coefficient represents the strength of the relationship. R2 (R-squared): R2 measures the amount of variance explained in a particular endogenous variable (dependent variable) by its predictors (independent variables) in an SEM model. It represents the proportion of variance in the dependent variable that is accounted for by the independent variables. R2 values range from 0 to 1, with higher values indicating a greater proportion of variance explained. R2 can be interpreted as the goodness of fit of the model for the specific endogenous variable, reflecting how well the predictors capture the variability in that variable. It's important to note that β coefficients and R2 values are standardized in SEM, meaning they are scaled to have a mean of zero and a standard deviation of one. This standardization allows for easier comparison and interpretation of the coefficients and explained var-iance across different variables in the model.

The second model relates the four constructs that make up cargo owners' business characteristics direct influence on the five constructs that identify maritime logistics chain sustainable practices (Figure 3 – Results of SEM Research), without using an second level construct. This model did not utilize a second-level construct, bur ex-plore direct relations. The goodness-of-fit results of the model are confirmed (χ2 = 94.363, p ≤ .01; χ2 /df = 2.621; GFI = 0.883; NFI=0,976; RFI=0.913; RAMSEA = 0,108).

Second-order constructs, also known as higher-order constructs or latent variables, play an important role in Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) as they provide a way to capture complex relationships and summarize the underlying dimensions of multiple observed variables. The importance of second-order constructs in SEM stems from several reasons. Reduction of complexity, conceptual clarity and theoretical grounding, exploratory and confirmatory analysis and model parsimony and efficiency. However, it is recommended to test both the simpler (without second-order construct) and more complex (with second-order construct) models and compare their fit indices, interpretability, and theoretical coherence. This model comparison allows researchers to evaluate the added value of the second-order construct and make an informed deci-sion about its inclusion in the final model.

This study shows that management characteristics have a strong relationship with green transport (β=.43) and transport contracts have a strong relationship with social responsibility (β=.40). Additionally, the regulatory framework has a strong influence on pollution prevention (β=.30) and green logistics chains (β=.19). There are three groups of relevant effects in the influence relationships. On the one hand, management characteristics and transport contracts have a strong relationship with social respon-sibility (β=.40; β=.20), and management and transport contracts have a strong relationship with green transport (β=.43; β=.28). On the other hand, the sector framework has a strong relationship with pollution and green logistics chains (β=.30; β=.19). Fi-nally, the transport size is related to social responsibility (β=.20) and green energy (β=.18), influencing the use of green fuels such as methanol, hydrogen, LNG, HVO, and RME.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

This paper presents the role of cargo owners in logistic chain sustainability. The problem is practical and interesting. However, please consider the following suggestions and questions for further improvements:

 

-The proposed scheme lacks a clear motivation and the contributions should be better described.

-The introduction section should fulfill certain tasks, including providing an overview of the field's significance and addressing key questions such as identifying gaps in literature and outlining the main aims of the article. Additionally, the contributions should be better described.

-The research should explain the main theories that support the study of cargo owners and sustainability in maritime logistics.

-The sample collection process and the types of companies included in the study should be detailed.

-The research should examine the key factors that influence cargo owners' sustainable practices in their business.

-The number of valid responses obtained in the study should be specified.

-If a pre-test was conducted before the main survey, information about the number of specialists involved should be provided.

-The research should identify some of the sustainable practices identified in maritime-based logistics chains.

-The conclusion should better tie the research results back to the literature by comparing and extending current knowledge in the field.

The quality of English language is good. It is clear and concise, effectively conveying the main objective and key aspects of the study. 

Author Response

 

This paper presents the role of cargo owners in logistic chain sustainability. The problem is practical and interesting. However, please consider the following suggestions and questions for further improvements:

 

-The proposed scheme lacks a clear motivation and the contributions should be better described.

-The introduction section should fulfill certain tasks, including providing an overview of the field's significance and addressing key questions such as identifying gaps in literature and outlining the main aims of the article. Additionally, the contributions should be better described.

 

 

Thank you, Reviewer 3, for your feedback.

The authors appreciate your acknowledgment of the practical and interesting nature of the problem addressed in the paper. They also recognize the importance of providing a clear motivation and a more detailed description of the contributions.

In the revised version of the paper, the authors enhance the motivation section by explicitly stating the significance and relevance of investigating the role of cargo owners in logistic chain sustainability. They provide a clear rationale for conducting the study, highlighting the gaps in the literature and the practical implications of understanding the factors that influence sustainable practices in the context of cargo owners.

Additionally, the authors improve the description of the contributions in conclusions by clearly outlining the novel insights and implications of their research. They emphasize how their study fills the existing research gap, advances knowledge in the field, and contributes to both academia and practice.

By addressing these suggestions, the authors aim to provide a stronger motivation and a more comprehensive understanding of the contributions, enhancing the overall quality and clarity of the paper.

Once again, thank you for your valuable feedback, and the authors will incorporate your suggestions into the revised version of the paper.

 

The primary motivations of this study are centered around understanding the crucial role of cargo owners in the adoption of sustainable practices within maritime-based logistics chains. The study aims to comprehensively comprehend the characteristics of cargo owners that influence sustainable practices in these logistics chains. By addressing this aspect, the study fills an existing gap in the literature and provides valuable insights into the key players and their impact on sustainability.

The study goes beyond previous research by identifying and exploring the various elements that describe cargo owners in the context of sustainable practices within maritime-based logistics networks. This identification enhances our understanding of the specific factors and attributes associated with cargo owners' involvement in sustainable initiatives. Moreover, the study successfully identifies and characterizes the factors that contribute to sustainable practices within maritime-based logistics networks. By elucidating these factors, the study offers practical guidance for implementing sustainable measures in the industry, thereby facilitating environmentally friendly transportation, pollution prevention, and corporate social responsibility.

 

The study primary contributions to the literature and practice include understanding the role of cargo owners in the adoption of sustainable practices in maritime-based lo-gistics chains: The study aims to comprehensively comprehend the characteristics of cargo owners that influence sustainable practices in such logistics chains. By examin-ing this aspect, the study fills a gap in the existing literature and provides valuable in-sights into the key players and their impact on sustainability. The study identifies and explores the various elements that describe cargo owners in the context of sustainable practices in maritime-based logistics networks. This identification enhances our un-derstanding of the specific factors and attributes associated with cargo owners' in-volvement in sustainable initiatives. The study identifies and characterizes the factors that contribute to sustainable practices in maritime-based logistics networks. By eluci-dating these factors, the study offers practical guidance for implementing sustainable measures in the industry, thereby facilitating environmentally friendly transportation, pollution prevention, and corporate social responsibility.

The importance of understanding the role of cargo owners and shippers in the sus-tainability of transportation once the demand for maritime transportation can be a "silver bullet" for emissions reduction, potentially outweighing the significance of sus-tainable maritime fuels. This insight indicates that cargo owners and shippers, as ma-jores emitters of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and significant users of maritime trans-portation, have the power to drive sustainable change. Industries with high energy-intensive and carbon-intensive raw material processing, such as the steel industry, can play a crucial role in reducing emissions and lead to a structural shift in maritime transportation demand and a simultaneous reduction in CO2 emissions. The signifi-cance of these insights lies in the need for various actors, including cargo owners, shippers, industries, and governments, to recognize the importance of their roles in shaping sustainable transportation practices. It is important a global recalibration of trade, favoring pioneers in the maritime transportation industry who establish part-nerships with clients and secure long-term and high volumes contracts for green ship-ping. This underscores the importance of collaboration and forward-thinking ap-proaches in driving sustainability.

This research emphasizes the need for stakeholders to align their actions and collec-tively contribute to achieving sustainable transportation goals. By understanding their roles and making informed decisions, cargo owners and shippers can have a signifi-cant impact on reducing emissions and driving sustainable practices in the transporta-tion sector. These contributions to the literature and practice offer valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the field of maritime-based logistics and sustainable practices.

 

-The research should explain the main theories that support the study of cargo owners and sustainability in maritime logistics.

 

 

The authors appreciate the reviewer's suggestion to explain the main theories that support the study of cargo owners and sustainability in maritime logistics. Based on the provided text and other relevant theories, here is the revised explanation of the theories citied in the paper:

The study draws on three complementary theories to support the analysis of cargo owners and sustainability in maritime logistics. These theories provide a theoretical framework and conceptual lens for understanding the dynamics and implications of sustainable practices in the context of cargo owners.

Sustainable energy theory - This theory examines the decarbonization of the economy from a corporate social responsibility perspective. It encompasses the notion that businesses have a responsibility to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt sustainable practices to mitigate environmental impacts. This theory emphasizes the importance of incorporating sustainable energy sources, reducing emissions, and promoting environmentally friendly transportation (Adamik et al., 2022; Awawdeh et al., 2021; Kany et al., 2022; Latapí et al., 2021; Saheb et al., 2022; Skjølsvold & Coenen, 2021).

Green state theory - The green state theory focuses on various aspects of state policies and institutions in the context of sustainability. It recognizes the need to address the limitations of the modern state, which often prioritizes economic imperatives over environmental concerns. This theory highlights the importance of transforming state policies and institutions to promote sustainable development and mitigate environmental damage (Eckersley, 2004).

Shared value creation theory - The shared value creation theory emphasizes the need for companies to integrate social, economic, and environmental benefits into their core business concepts. It advocates for companies to address sustainability across all three scopes, namely Scope 1 (direct emissions from company operations), Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heat, or steam), and Scope 3 (indirect emissions from the value chain, including transportation of goods). For cargo owners in the maritime logistics context, this theory highlights the importance of influencing and promoting sustainable practices within the transportation of goods, particularly in the maritime mode. By actively engaging with and influencing transportation providers and supply chain partners, cargo owners can contribute to achieving sustainability goals across all three scopes and drive positive environmental impacts. (Porter & Kramer, 2011).

By incorporating these theories into the study, the authors adopt a comprehensive approach that considers the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of cargo owners' role in sustainability within maritime logistics. These theories provide a solid foundation for understanding the motivations, challenges, and opportunities associated with sustainable practices in this context.

By aligning their research with these theories, the authors aim to contribute to the existing literature by shedding light on the key factors influencing cargo owners' adoption of sustainable practices in maritime logistics chains. Furthermore, the theories provide a broader perspective on the implications for business strategies, public policies, and societal well-being in the pursuit of sustainable transportation and logistics.

 

-The sample collection process and the types of companies included in the study should be detailed.

Thank you for the suggestion. This is included:

The sample consists of Portuguese companies that are part of maritime-port logistics chains. The questionnaire was sent to 2,000 specialists from industrial, commercial, freight forwarding, port, logistics, maritime transport, and land transport companies. Respondents answer with respect to the cargo owner in the logistics chain they are most familiar with. A total of 141 valid responses were obtained (7%).

It is observed that 56.0% of respondents are over 50 years old, 36.9% are between 31 and 50 years old, and 7.1% are under 30 years old. They work in the industry 27%, ports and logistics platforms 24.1%, freight forwarding companies 12.1%, logistics ser-vice providers 7.1%, commercial and distribution companies 2.1%, transport providers 5.0%, and other activities 22.7%. The variables used in the survey show an average score higher than 4.5 points on the Likert7 scale.

 

-The research should examine the key factors that influence cargo owners' sustainable practices in their business.

 

Thank you, Reviewer 3, for your valuable suggestion.

The authors acknowledge the importance of examining the key factors that influence cargo owners' sustainable practices in their business. In the revised version of the paper, the authors have expanded their analysis to identify and explore the specific factors that play a significant role in shaping cargo owners' adoption of sustainable practices in maritime logistics chains.

Through a thorough review of the literature and empirical analysis, the study identifies and investigates various factors that influence cargo owners' sustainable practices. These factors may include but are not limited to:

Cargo owners' business characteristics: This encompasses the size of shipments, the relationship with transport service providers, the sector framework with sector-specific environmental regulations, green taxes, and the weight of transport costs. These characteristics have been found to influence cargo owners' commitment and alignment with sustainable practices in transportation.

Management characteristics: The study examines the influence of management characteristics on cargo owners' sustainable practices. This includes the level of commitment to sustainable initiatives, the use of green associative models, and the adoption of sustainability indicators to meet higher environmental requirements. These management characteristics are vital in driving and promoting sustainable practices within the business.

Type of transport contracts: The study explores the impact of different types of transport contracts on cargo owners' sustainable practices. Long-term contracts and the utilization of full ships and containers are considered in relation to their influence on sustainable transportation practices.

By examining these key factors, the authors aim to provide insights into the determinants of cargo owners' sustainable practices in maritime logistics chains. The findings of this research contribute to a better understanding of the factors that shape cargo owners' decision-making processes and their ability to adopt and implement sustainable measures within their business operations.

The authors have taken your suggestion into account and have ensured that the revised version of the paper thoroughly examines and discusses the key factors that influence cargo owners' sustainable practices. This enhancement strengthens the study's contribution to the literature by providing valuable insights into the drivers of sustainability in the maritime logistics industry.

Thank you again for your feedback, which has greatly contributed to the improvement of the research.

 

-The number of valid responses obtained in the study should be specified.

 

Thanks. This is included:

A total of 141 valid responses were obtained (7%).

 

-If a pre-test was conducted before the main survey, information about the number of specialists involved should be provided.

 

Thanks

The pre-assessment (and pre-test) involves 5 specialists from five relevant companies - companies A, B, C, D, E - operating in maritime-based logistics chains in Portugal.

 

-The research should identify some of the sustainable practices identified in maritime-based logistics chains.

 

Thank you for the suggestion, Reviewer 3. The authors acknowledge the importance of identifying sustainable practices in maritime-based logistics chains. In the revised version of the paper, the authors provide a clear and comprehensive discussion on the specific sustainable practices that have been identified and explored within the context of the study.

These sustainable practices encompass various aspects of environmentally friendly and socially responsible initiatives adopted by cargo owners and other stakeholders in the maritime logistics chain. Examples of such sustainable practices may include:

Pollution prevention in transport: This involves measures to minimize and mitigate the environmental impact of maritime transport, such as recycling and reusing waste, recycling packaging materials, and implementing carbon capture and retention strategies.

Green logistics chains: This refers to the integration of efficient technologies and transformation chains, collaboration for transport reduction, and the implementation of smart eco-driving practices to enhance the overall sustainability of the logistics operations.

Social responsibility: This encompasses commitments to social responsibility, including fair wages, gender equality, and promoting justice and equality within the maritime logistics industry and the communities it operates in.

Adoption of green fuels: This involves the utilization of sustainable and low-carbon fuels such as ammonia, methanol, hydrogen, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in maritime transport operations.

Promotion of green modes of transport: This focuses on prioritizing and utilizing environmentally friendly modes of transport, such as rail and maritime transport with electric engines, to reduce emissions and improve overall sustainability.

 

 

-The conclusion should better tie the research results back to the literature by comparing and extending current knowledge in the field.

 

Thank you, Reviewer 3, for your feedback.

The authors appreciate your suggestion. In the revised version of the paper, they have taken significant steps to better tie the research results.

In the discission section, the authors develop the discussion of their findings by explicitly referencing relevant studies and theories from the literature. They provide a comprehensive analysis of how their research results align with or contribute to the existing knowledge in the field of cargo owners and sustainability in maritime logistics chains.

The revised conclusion also highlights the novel insights and implications of the study, emphasizing how the research findings expand our understanding of the role of cargo owners in sustainable practices. The authors discuss how their findings build upon and extend current knowledge, identifying areas where their study offers new perspectives or fills gaps in the existing literature.

Once again, thank you for your valuable feedback. The authors have taken it into consideration and made the necessary improvements in the revised version of the paper.

 

 

 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The quality of English language is good. It is clear and concise, effectively conveying the main objective and key aspects of the study. 

 

Thank you.

 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf