Reimagining the Electrified Port: Designing the Future Logistics–Energy Ecosystem – Supply Chain Management

The Rosslare Europort Student Research Hub provides an interdisciplinary platform for investigating the future of medium-sized European ports within rapidly evolving global trade, energy and digital systems. Using Rosslare Europort as a living systems case study, students are challenged to move beyond viewing electrification as a standalone infrastructure upgrade and instead examine how ports can function as integrated logistics–energy ecosystems that create economic, environmental and social value.

The central research question asks: How can a medium-sized European port reposition itself as an electrified, digitally integrated, energy–logistics platform that enhances competitiveness, resilience and sustainability within global trade systems?

Students are encouraged to adopt systems thinking, recognising the interconnected relationships between port operations, renewable energy generation, smart grid technologies, digital logistics, transport connectivity, supply chains and regional economic development. Research considers electrification alongside digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence, data integration and emerging energy technologies such as battery storage, hydrogen and shore power.

The hub promotes critical analysis of governance structures, investment models, stakeholder collaboration and public policy required to support long-term transformation. Students evaluate how European climate policy, decarbonisation targets and international trade dynamics influence strategic decision-making while identifying opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage.

Working across engineering, logistics, business, environmental science and public policy, participants develop evidence-based recommendations for creating a resilient, low-carbon port ecosystem capable of adapting to future technological, geopolitical and environmental challenges. The research emphasises practical solutions that integrate operational efficiency with sustainability objectives, demonstrating how Rosslare Europort can strengthen its position within European transport corridors and global logistics networks while contributing to Ireland’s energy transition and broader economic resilience.

General learning outcomes

• Analyse the role of medium-sized ports within global logistics and supply chain networks, evaluating how electrification, digitalisation and energy transition influence port competitiveness and resilience.
• Apply systems thinking to assess the interdependencies between logistics operations, energy infrastructure, digital technologies and stakeholder networks within a port ecosystem.
• Critically evaluate the opportunities and challenges associated with transforming Rosslare Europort into an integrated energy–logistics platform, considering environmental, economic, operational and policy dimensions.
• Develop evidence-based recommendations that enhance the sustainability, efficiency and resilience of port operations by integrating concepts from global logistics, transport management and emerging energy technologies.
• Communicate research findings effectively through professional reports and presentations, demonstrating the ability to synthesise academic literature, industry evidence and real-world case study analysis to support strategic decision-making.