ABSTRACT
Objective: This study explores global sustainability initiatives adopted by Brazilian ports and terminals, aiming to identify key frameworks that influence sustainability practices.
Theoretical Framework: The research is underpinned by international sustainability frameworks, particularly the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). These frameworks inform the analysis of sustainability in the maritime sector, promoting transparency and operational efficiency.
Method: A content analysis methodology, using text mining techniques, was employed to examine sustainability reports from Brazilian ports and terminals, which handle more than 81% of the country's cargo throughput. This method provides an in-depth analysis of the sustainability initiatives cited in these reports.
Results and Discussion: The GRI emerged as the most frequently referenced initiative, followed by the SASB, SDGs, and UNGC. These findings underscore the significance of international sustainability frameworks in shaping maritime practices, potentially enhancing port efficiency and transparency within global supply chains.
Research Implications: This study offers valuable insights into how the adoption of these frameworks can improve port operations. The findings have broad implications for sustainability practices in the maritime industry, influencing both scholarly discourse and practical applications.
Originality/Value: The study provides a novel contribution by analysing the sustainability initiatives of Brazilian ports, offering key insights into how these frameworks can revolutionise operational practices and advance global sustainability efforts.
Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals, United Nations Global Compact, Global Reporting Initiative, Sustainability Report, Ports, Text Mining Method.
RESUMO
Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é explorar as iniciativas globais de sustentabilidade adotadas por portos e terminais brasileiros, com a finalidade de identificar os principais frameworks que influenciam as práticas sustentáveis no setor.
Referencial Teórico: A pesquisa é fundamentada em frameworks internacionais de sustentabilidade, com ênfase na Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), no Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), nos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentavel (ODS) da ONU e no Pacto Global da ONU (UNGC). Esses frameworks orientam a análise da sustentabilidade no setor marítimo, promovendo transparéncia e eficiéncia operacional.
Método: A metodologia adotada foi a análise de conteúdo, utilizando técnicas de mineração de texto, para examinar relatórios de sustentabilidade de portos e terminais brasileiros, que representam mais de 81% do throughput de carga do país. Este método possibilita uma análise detalhada das iniciativas de sustentabilidade mencionadas nesses relatórios.
Resultados e Discussão: A GRI destacou-se como a iniciativa mais frequentemente referenciada, seguida pelo SASB, pelos ODS e pelo Pacto Global. Esses resultados ressaltam a importáncia dos frameworks internacionais de sustentabilidade na modelagem das práticas marítimas, com potencial para melhorar a eficiéncia dos portos e aumentar a transparéncia nas cadeias globais de suprimentos.
Implicações da Pesquisa: Este estudo oferece contribuições valiosas sobre como a adoção desses frameworks pode aprimorar as operações portuárias. Os resultados possuem implicações amplas para as práticas sustentáveis na indústria marítima, impactando tanto o discurso acadêmico quanto as aplicações práticas.
Originalidade/Valor: O estudo oferece uma contribuição inovadora ao analisar as iniciativas de sustentabilidade nos portos brasileiros, fornecendo insights essenciais sobre como esses frameworks podem revolucionar as práticas operacionais e avançar os esforços globais de sustentabilidade.
Palavras-chave: Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável, Pacto Global da ONU, Global Reporting Initiative, Relatório de Sustentabilidade, Portos, Método de Mineração de Texto.
RESUMEN
Objetivo: Este estudio explora las iniciativas globales de sostenibilidad adoptadas por los puertos y terminales brasilefios, con el fin de identificar los marcos clave que influyen en las practicas de sostenibilidad.
Marco Teórico: La investigación se sustenta en marcos internacionales de sostenibilidad, particularmente la Iniciativa de Reporte Global (GRI), el Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) de las Naciones Unidas y el Pacto Global de las Naciones Unidas (UNGC). Estos marcos informan el análisis de la sostenibilidad en el sector marítimo, promoviendo la transparencia y la eficiencia operativa.
Método: Se empleó una metodologia de análisis de contenido, utilizando técnicas de mineria de texto, para examinar los informes de sostenibilidad de puertos y terminales brasilefios, que representan mas del 81% del volumen de carga del país. Este método proporciona un análisis profundo de las iniciativas de sostenibilidad citadas en estos informes.
Resultados y Discusión: La GRI emergió como la iniciativa más citada, seguida por el SASB, los ODS y el UNGC. Estos hallazgos subrayan la importancia de los marcos internacionales de sostenibilidad en la configuración de las prácticas marítimas, con el potencial de mejorar la eficiencia y la transparencia de los puertos dentro de las cadenas globales de suministro.
Implicaciones de la Investigación: Este estudio ofrece valiosas perspectivas sobre cómo la adopción de estos marcos puede mejorar las operaciones portuarias. Los resultados tienen amplias implicaciones para las prácticas de sostenibilidad en la industria marítima, influyendo tanto en el discurso académico como en aplicaciones prácticas.
Originalidad/Valor: El estudio contribuye de manera novedosa al analizar las iniciativas de sostenibilidad de los puertos brasileños, ofreciendo perspectivas clave sobre cómo estos marcos pueden transformar las prácticas operativas y avanzar en los esfuerzos globales de sostenibilidad.
Palabras clave: Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible, Pacto Global de las Naciones Unidas, Global Reporting Initiative, Informe de Sostenibilidad, Puertos, Método de Minería de Texto.
RGSA adota a Licença de Atribuição CC BY do Creative Commons (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
1 INTRODUCTION
The port sector is crucial to national economies, acting as a key transit hub for goods and linking countries within global supply chains, thus facilitating international trade (Oh et al., 2018; United Nations, 2022). In Brazil, the sector plays an instrumental role in economic growth, with port throughput in 2022 reaching 1.206 billion tonnes, a 33% increase from 2012 (Antag, 2023).
Despite its economic significance, port operations often result in severe environmental impacts, including noise pollution, soil degradation, waste generation, and water contamination. These arise from the discharge of ballast water, sewage, oil spills, and harmful emissions (CO, CO, NO, and SO,), which contribute to climate change, damage marine habitats, and affect local communities (Narusu, 2015; Walker et al., 2019; Puig et al., 2022; Soares et al., 2022).
To foster sustainable development, the United Nations introduced the 2030 Agenda, comprising 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Achieving these goals requires collective action from governments, businesses, and civil society (Khaled & Mohamed, 2021). In this context, port sustainability aligns with multiple SDGs, particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Although sustainability initiatives in the port sector have received growing attention, the literature predominantly focuses on European and North American contexts (MichalskaSzajer et al., 2021; Puig et al., 2022). Studies have examined sustainability strategies, such as the Green Marine Environmental Program (GMEP) and ISO standards, in Canadian and European ports (Ashrafi et al., 2019; Hossain et al., 2019; MacNeil et al., 2021). However, there remains a notable gap in research addressing port sustainability practices in Latin America.
This study aims to fill this gap by examining the sustainability initiatives adopted by Brazilian ports and terminals, highlighting their alignment with global frameworks and the advancements made in fostering sustainable port operations.
Specific Objective: This study aims to identify the key sustainability initiatives adopted by Brazilian ports and terminals, with a focus on practices that most effectively align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
2 LITERATURE REVIEW
The port sector is vital for the global economy, facilitating international trade and fostering supply chain efficiency. However, it also significantly impacts the environment and local communities. As such, it plays a central role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and implementing the principles of the UN Global Compact (Walker et al., 2019; Puig et al., 2022; Soares et al., 2022). Beyond economic growth, the sector is increasingly responsible for addressing social and environmental challenges.
Wang et al. (2020) assert that the maritime sector must actively promote all SDGs, with a particular emphasis on SDG 5 (Gender Equality) through initiatives aimed at increasing female participation. SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) requires the sector to adopt integrated waste management practices, while SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) calls for the promotion of clean energy technologies. Furthermore, SDG 13 (Action Against Global Climate Change) urges the sector to develop strategies to monitor emissions and reduce pollutants, thereby contributing to global climate change mitigation.
Wang et al. (2020) also highlight four other SDGs that are intrinsically linked to maritime and port operations. SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) focuses on fair labour practices, while SDG 9 (Resilient Infrastructure and Sustainable Industrialisation) emphasises the need for robust infrastructure. SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) advocate for equitable economic opportunities and sustainable marine practices, respectively.
Caliskan (2022) reinforces the notion that port sustainability initiatives play a crucial role in advancing the SDGs. By adopting practices that minimise environmental harm, ports not only further the SDGs but also establish themselves as leaders in sustainable development.
The alignment of port operations with the SDGs is exemplified in the work of various international frameworks. The UN Global Compact, World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), EcoPorts, and ISO standards collectively support the adoption of sustainability practices in ports globally.
The WPSP, led by the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), encourages ports to address governance, economic, environmental, and community-related challenges. The GRI and SASB provide guidelines for sustainability reporting, with GRI offering a broader framework that covers economic, environmental, and social dimensions, while the SASB focuses on sector-specific financial disclosures (SKG, 2021; GRI, 2023).
Increased stakeholder demand for transparency has driven the widespread adoption of sustainability reporting frameworks. KPMG's (2022) survey shows that 96% of the G250 companies publish sustainability reports, with 74% aligning their efforts with the SDGs. Ports are similarly adopting frameworks like GRI, with many European ports, including those in the EcoPorts network, actively engaging in sustainability practices.
EcoPorts, established by the European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO), provides tools for assessing and improving environmental performance, including the Environmental Review and the Port Environmental Review System (PERS), which aligns with ISO 14001 guidelines (EcoPorts, 2023a, 2023b). Furthermore, the Green Marine Environmental Program (GMEP) and the ISPS Code of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) significantly contribute to enhancing sustainability and security in maritime operations (Walker, 2016).
The widespread adoption of ISO standards, such as ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, and ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety, reflects the growing commitment of ports to sustainability (Fiedler & Mircea, 2012).
3 METHODS
This study is both exploratory and descriptive, utilising a text mining methodology grounded in content analysis to examine and extract data from the sustainability reports of ports and terminals. Two software applications, Python and VOSviewer, were essential in generating the results. Python, recognised for its efficiency, facilitates rapid operations and effective system integration, while VOSviewer, an open-source tool, is employed to design and develop bibliometric networks, allowing for the visualisation of complex data (Di Vaio ef al., 2023).
The study focused on ports and terminals that recorded the highest cargo handling volumes in 2021, specifically those accounting for 0.5% or more of total throughput. This criterion resulted in a sample of forty-four ports and terminals, as outlined in Table 2, which details the port authority or company, the location of each port or terminal, the publication year of their most recent sustainability (or equivalent) report, and the cargo throughput percentage for each entity.
In this study, it was observed that numerous port facilities are managed by centralised entities, either companies or port authorities. Consequently, the analysis focused on reports issued by the managing companies, rather than evaluating each terminal or port independently. This methodological approach provided a more cohesive and representative assessment of the overall sector landscape.
During the data collection process, it was identified that some managing companies did not disclose sustainability reports, which limited the scope of the sample. As a result, the analysis is based on 23 sustainability reports, selected to represent Brazilian ports and terminals that together account for over 81% of the nation's total cargo throughput. Table 3 presents relevant data, listing each managing company or port authority, the corresponding sustainability report used in the analysis, and the percentage of total port throughput for each port or terminal.
By examining these initiatives, the study aims to highlight the diverse approaches available for ports to enhance sustainability performance, with each framework contributing uniquely to the sector's sustainability objectives.
These initiatives aim to promote sustainable development within the industry. Notable among these are sector-specific programmes such as the World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP), EcoPorts, and the Port Environmental Review System (PERS). These frameworks help ports enhance environmental performance, improve governance, and foster community engagement. The WPSP, for instance, adopts a holistic approach to sustainability, encompassing governance, environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social responsibility.
EcoPorts, widely established across European ports, focuses on environmental management practices and provides tools such as the Environmental Review and PERS to assist ports in assessing and managing their environmental impact. PERS is the only sector-specific environmental management standard for ports, aligned with ISO 14001, which enables integration of environmental management into broader operational practices.
Beyond these sector-specific initiatives, the study also considers broader, cross-sectoral sustainability frameworks, including the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). These initiatives encourage transparency, accountability, and responsible management practices. The UNGC promotes corporate adherence to its Ten Principles, covering human rights, labour standards, environmental protection, and anti-corruption measures. The GRI provides comprehensive non-financial reporting guidelines, while the SASB offers sector-specific standards for financial materiality, helping companies incorporate sustainability into financial disclosures.
ISO standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 also play a pivotal role in advancing sustainability in the port sector. These standards provide structured approaches to quality management, environmental management, and occupational health and safety, supporting continuous improvement and aligning operations with internationally recognised sustainability practices.
The study was conducted in two distinct stages to gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainability initiatives within the port sector. In the first stage, a content analysis was conducted to determine the frequency with which various sustainability initiatives were referenced in the reports. This initial stage provided insight into the awareness and recognition of these initiatives across the sector, highlighting the frameworks most frequently acknowledged by port authorities and terminal management companies.
In the second stage, the study assessed the actual adoption and integration of these initiatives. This involved examining the level of active participation by port authorities or terminal management companies in the identified sustainability initiatives. The focus was on documented participation, such as membership in specific programmes or certifications in particular standards, to measure the extent to which companies move beyond mere acknowledgment and actively embrace sustainability practices.
Together, these two stages enabled a nuanced analysis, differentiating between companies that reference sustainability initiatives in their reports and those that demonstrate a deeper commitment through active implementation. This dual approach captured both the rhetorical and practical dimensions of sustainability adoption within the port sector.
4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The initial phase of this study centred on assessing the prevalence of adherence to the fourteen sustainability initiatives identified for ports and port terminals. This phase involved a comprehensive analysis of sustainability reports and other relevant documentation to gauge the extent to which these initiatives were referenced by the companies under investigation. Table 5 provides a detailed breakdown of these references, illustrating which initiatives attracted the most attention within the industry's sustainability reporting.
However, as Table 5 illustrates, the frequency of mentions does not necessarily offer a definitive measure of a company's actual implementation of any given initiative. Although frequent references may suggest a level of awareness or formal endorsement, they do not confirm that the company has meaningfully integrated the initiative into its operational practices or aligned with the associated standards. This distinction between mere reference and substantive implementation underscores a critical gap between corporate reporting and the tangible sustainability efforts that are central to sustainable development.
Among the initiatives examined, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) emerged as the most frequently mentioned, reflecting its dominant position as a key standard for sustainability reporting. Other initiatives that received substantial attention include the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). The frequency with which these frameworks are referenced suggests that the sustainability objectives of the companies involved are strongly aligned with the guidelines and goals promoted by these globally recognised standards.
To provide a clearer understanding of how each company engages with these prominent sustainability themes, graphical representations were developed to illustrate the extent to which each entity addresses these key initiatives. Figure 1 visually depicts the frequency of mentions for each sustainability initiative, facilitating an intuitive comparison of their relative prominence across the sample. This visual approach not only highlights the importance of specific initiatives in corporate sustainability discourse but also indicates emerging sector-wide trends in sustainability priorities.
The growing awareness of sustainability issues has significantly intensified the demand for greater transparency and accountability from corporations, particularly in industries with substantial environmental footprints, such as the port sector. Adherence to international sustainability initiatives, most notably the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), has thus become increasingly critical. The GRI provides universally accepted standards for sustainability reporting, enabling companies to disclose information in a consistent and transparent manner. By committing to these standards, companies not only reinforce their commitment to sustainability but also enhance stakeholder trust and bolster their credibility in the marketplace. This alignment with GRI principles signals a company's dedication to responsible business practices, fostering confidence among investors, regulators, and the public.
In addition, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have become a central theme in corporate sustainability strategies, as evidenced by the adoption of various initiatives supporting these goals. Noteworthy among these initiatives are the World Ports Sustainability Programme (WPSP), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code), and EcoPorts. These frameworks offer Brazilian ports and terminals structured pathways for incorporating sustainability into both their operational and reporting practices.
For example, prominent ports such as Santos, Porto do Acu, and Porto Sudeste do Brasil have highlighted the importance of the WPSP as a guiding framework for the development of their sustainability reports. The WPSP's holistic approach, which addresses economic, environmental, and social dimensions, aligns with the SDGs and provides ports with comprehensive guidelines for enhancing sustainability across their operations. Publicly available information from the WPSP website indicates that several projects undertaken by Porto do Acu and Porto Sudeste do Brasil reflect a strong commitment to these principles, suggesting a robust integration of sustainable practices at various operational levels (WPSP, 2023).
Furthermore, Porto do Acu and Portos do Paraná have adopted EcoPorts and the Port Environmental Review System (PERS), demonstrating a rigorous commitment to advanced environmental standards. These initiatives encourage ports to systematically assess, manage, and improve their environmental performance, positioning them as leaders in environmental responsibility within the industry. By embracing these frameworks, these ports are setting a benchmark for sustainable growth, addressing critical environmental challenges such as emissions reduction, waste management, and water quality preservation.
A subset of companies, including Ultracargo, Samarco, Vale, Porto do Agu, and Amaggi, have shown exceptional commitment by addressing the majority of the fourteen sustainability initiatives examined in this study (Figure 2). Their broad engagement with these initiatives signals a proactive approach to sustainability, positioning them as leaders within the sector. Their extensive adherence not only supports the global sustainability agenda but also establishes a model for other companies to emulate.
In contrast to Table 5, which presents the frequency of mentions, Table 6 focuses on the actual adoption of these initiatives by the port authorities or companies involved in this study. This distinction is crucial as it provides a clearer understanding of which entities have moved beyond mere acknowledgment and have actively integrated these frameworks into their operations.
A notable observation from Table 6 is the exemplary commitment shown by Porto do Acu, Emap, Portonave, Vale, Santos, and Usiminas, which have embraced a comprehensive array of sustainability initiatives. These companies stand out for their proactive engagement across a broad spectrum of initiatives covering environmental, social, and governance aspects of sustainability. This extensive adoption underscores their commitment to aligning practices with international standards, significantly enhancing their sustainability performance.
The commitment demonstrated by these companies establishes them as benchmarks within the port sector, setting high standards for environmental responsibility, social impact, and governance. Through the active implementation of these initiatives, they not only meet global sustainability expectations but also enhance their resilience and adaptability in an increasingly regulated and environmentally conscious market. Their alignment with sustainability frameworks such as GRI, SASB, and various ISO standards reflects a holistic approach to sustainable development, supporting long-term growth and positioning these companies as leaders within the industry.
Within the context of this study, a notable finding regarding the adoption of ISO standards is that 47% of the companies analysed have implemented ISO 14001. This standard, focused on environmental management systems, provides organisations with a structured framework for managing their environmental responsibilities. Compliance with ISO 14001 enables companies to identify and mitigate environmental impacts, enhance resource efficiency, and reduce waste, thereby aligning their operations with international standards for environmental stewardship and contributing to sustainable development goals.
Additionally, several companies have adopted other ISO standards, such as ISO 9001 and ISO 45001. ISO 9001, which sets criteria for quality management systems, plays a pivotal role in promoting continuous improvement and customer satisfaction, while ISO 45001 addresses occupational health and safety management, ensuring safer work environments and minimising workplace risks. The adoption of these standards, in conjunction with ISO 14001, reflects a more holistic approach to sustainability that encompasses not only environmental factors but also quality and health and safety considerations.
A comparative study by Hossain et al. (2021) on sustainability initiatives across 36 ports in North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region revealed that 53% of these ports are certified under ISO 14001. Among these, nine ports hold PERS certification, six possess both certifications, and fourteen do not hold any certification. These findings underscore the widespread adoption of ISO 14001 as a preferred framework for environmental management within the port sector globally.
Moreover, recent studies on Brazilian public ports have revealed that, while many ports demonstrate a commitment to sustainability reporting, only eight out of the twenty surveyed ports adhere to the GRI guidelines. This highlights the need for strategic changes in Brazilian port policies, in alignment with the SDGs, as well as the urgent requirement for enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration in this field (Cunha et al., 2023; Diniz et al., 2024). This also indicates a significant opportunity for Brazilian ports to improve their sustainability reporting practices, particularly in terms of aligning with internationally recognised frameworks that promote transparency and comparability.
Collectively, these findings underscore the critical role of ISO standards in supporting sustainability within the port sector. By providing structured approaches to managing environmental, quality, and safety impacts, these standards are increasingly valued by stakeholders. Future research should investigate the impact of these standards on operational performance, regulatory compliance, and community relations, exploring how integrated adoption of multiple ISO standards contributes to long-term sustainability outcomes.
5 CONCLUSION
The present study makes a substantial contribution to understanding sustainability practices within the Brazilian port sector, particularly emphasising the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) as the dominant sustainability framework adopted by port authorities and terminal operators. It also highlights the increasing relevance of other frameworks, such as the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). Leading entities like Porto do Açu, Emap, Portonave, Vale, Santos, and Usiminas have aligned with these internationally recognised sustainability standards. Moreover, the growing adoption of ISO certifications, mainly ISO 14001 and ISO 9001, reflects a broader shift towards more robust environmental management practices within Brazilian ports. However, the Port Environmental Review System (PERS) continues to exert a relatively limited influence. However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations of this research.
The findings are based on the analysis of sustainability reports and similar documentation disclosed by port authorities and terminal operators. As such, the study may not capture the full range of sustainability initiatives currently being implemented, as some companies or ports might have adopted new practices that were not reflected in the reports available at the time of analysis. This reliance on reported information introduces the possibility of underrepresenting more recent or undocumented efforts, which could provide a more comprehensive view of sustainability dynamics within the sector. This study enhances academic understanding of global and Brazilian port sustainability while paving the way for future research. Qualitative approaches, such as stakeholder interviews, could deepen insights into the challenges and drivers behind framework adoption, strengthening the empirical base and advancing sustainability in port operations.
Data availability We emphasise that all the reports of the companies analysed are available at the following link: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.25722387
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors wish to thankfully acknowledge the financial support for this research from the Fundacäo de Amparo a Pesquisa e ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico do Maranhao (Fapema), Empresa Maranhense de Administração Portuária (Emap) and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (Capes- Finance code 001).
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Abstract
Objective: This study explores global sustainability initiatives adopted by Brazilian ports and terminals, aiming to identify key frameworks that influence sustainability practices. Theoretical Framework: The research is underpinned by international sustainability frameworks, particularly the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC). These frameworks inform the analysis of sustainability in the maritime sector, promoting transparency and operational efficiency. Method: A content analysis methodology, using text mining techniques, was employed to examine sustainability reports from Brazilian ports and terminals, which handle more than 81% of the country's cargo throughput. This method provides an in-depth analysis of the sustainability initiatives cited in these reports. Results and Discussion: The GRI emerged as the most frequently referenced initiative, followed by the SASB, SDGs, and UNGC. These findings underscore the significance of international sustainability frameworks in shaping maritime practices, potentially enhancing port efficiency and transparency within global supply chains. Research Implications: This study offers valuable insights into how the adoption of these frameworks can improve port operations. The findings have broad implications for sustainability practices in the maritime industry, influencing both scholarly discourse and practical applications. Originality/Value: The study provides a novel contribution by analysing the sustainability initiatives of Brazilian ports, offering key insights into how these frameworks can revolutionise operational practices and advance global sustainability efforts.