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Today different transport modes use to deliver cargo between regions, from ports to final destination location or visa-versa. It is quite common to use road transport, which can deliver cargo “from door to door” but road transport causes big environmental impact. Considering alternative possibilities (road, railway and/or inland waterway transport) to decrease environmental impact from transport, it is very important. Based on theoretical and experimental tests, were find optimal solutions, which transport mode make minimum environmental impact and could be the most technically and economically effective solution. Traffic congestion on the roads, in some cases very high railway traffic in some regions, generates requirements by many stakeholders on ways to decrease the environmental impact from transport modes, which studded in Article to find and identify optimal transportation solutions with minimum environmental impact. A theoretical method evaluation conducted on the optimal transportation possibility that minimizes environmental impact. A transport modes environmental comparative index (ECI) is developed and used for evaluations. This paper presents possible alternative transportation conditions based on multi-criteria evaluation system, proposes theoretical basis for the optimal solutions from environmental and economic point of view, and provides for experimental testing during the specific case study, and finally provides recommendations and conclusions. © 2022 The Authors., open access

Optimization transportation cargo and passengers between ports and regions are very important, because industrial regions are located some distance from ports. The demand for energy request for the movement of transport is a necessity in the modern world. Transport and activity called transportation are used daily, everywhere, and a lot of energy is needed to power the various transport modes. Today different transport modes are being used to transport passengers and cargo. It is quite common to use road transport, which can transport passengers and cargo from door to door. Considering alternative possibilities (road, railway and/or inland waterway transport), it is important, based on theoretical and experimentation, to identify optimal solutions. In finding transport modes that are either most technically or economically effective, we could unearth possible solutions which would require minimal energy use. Unfortunately, with increased transportation, this often leads to traffic congestion on the roads, which requires additional energy (fuel). This situation generates requirements from many stakeholders in terms of finding ways to decrease the transportation time and energy (fuel) consumed by transport modes. A theoretical method evaluation is conducted on the optimal transportation possibility that minimizes transportation time and energy (fuel) use by employing graph theory, which is presented in this paper. The scientific contribution is the development of a transport modes comparative index, which is then used for evaluations. This paper presents possible alternative transportation conditions based on a multi-criteria evaluation system, proposes a theoretical basis for the optimal solutions from an eco-economic perspective that considers energy, and provides for experimental testing during a specific case study. The final results from the case study provide recommendations and conclusions. © 2022 by the authors., open access

Nowadays, ports are actively seeking ways to improve their safety and operational activity. An essential driver in this context is digitalisation. Since seaports are also key actors for the sustainable development of coastal regions, it is important that they transform into smart port ecosystems. Hence, the automation and digitisation of ports’ operations are important not only for the ports themselves, but also for the regions and countries hosting regional port ecosystems. Studies on the digitalisation level of ports bear the potential to detect optimal ways for increasing safety, security and visibility in terms of the digital transformation, as well as attracting passengers and freight flows, which in turn positively affects not only the ports, but particularly also the sustainable development of coastal regions. Therefore, the paper presents the results of a conducted assessment of small and medium-sized ports’ digitisation level as well as introduces ways and recommendations how to improve the level of digitisation on the path towards becoming a smarter port ecosystem. The research builds upon key insights from the Connect2SmallPorts project, part-financed by INTERREG South Baltic Programme 2014–2020. Thereby, the research utilises collected primary data concerning ports located in the Baltic, North and Mediterranean Sea Regions. Thus, the study bases on well-grounded theoretical and practical findings in the maritime science field in the nexus of digital transformation. © 2021 Kaunas University of Technology. All rights reserved.

As an alternative to traditional fuel and energy source LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) has many advantages, such as lower emissions while providing a means of energy for trucks, trains and ships. In focusing on the maritime transport sector the reasons for using LNG make a convincing business case, but lead to many discussions on LNG investments. The key issue has been is: “should investment be implemented first on LNG bunkering stations and then wait for the market to build ships to use the facilities or should investment wait until there is a demand?” Obviously, this creates a “chicken-and-egg” situation on when and where to invest for LNG use to take place. The initial experiences in using LNG in maritime and road transport suggest that the transport firms often take the risk themselves by not only investing into the transport units (ships, trucks) themselves but also invest into the infrastructure as well, e.g., developing LNG bunkering facilities. At the same time with these large initial investments for developing LNG bunkering networks there are more and more requests for identifying optimal solutions, often are based on real LNG fuel demand in ports and on the roads. This paper is oriented on the study for optimal bunkering network creation, which is argued to help with improved efficiency in the supply of LNG fuel to transport users. In addition, optimal investments for LNG bunkering networks can be realized. © 2018 Kaunas University of Technology. All rights reserved.

The increasing demand for Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) is causing many challenges for users and suppliers worldwide. Though there is strong interest in using LNG, the research published in this paper indicates there are challenges in developing adequate delivery and distribution chains within the supply chain. Ideally, LNG distribution chains should be created on the basis of user demands and need. In this paper we have articulated an optimisation model that considers the various potential users and their characteristics in order to identify if possibilities and prospects exist in developing an adequate LNG supply chain. The case study of Lithuania and Latvia serves as a model from which we are able to use our tool to help identify the factors for success in creating such LNG supply chains. © 2017 Kaunas University of Technology. All rights reserved.