It has been claimed that one way of reducing carbon emissions from the deep-sea container supply chain is to locate distribution centres at ports, stuff / unstuff containers there and effectively rationalise hinterland transport. Research in the UK, where this form of port-centric logistics (PCL) is now quite well established, has examined the numerous ways in which it can affect carbon emissions. This paper reports the results of online and interview surveys of shippers on the likely uptake of PCL in the UK. It also summarises the results of spreadsheet modelling of the potential CO₂ savings from channelling containerised imports of retail supplies through port-based DCs as opposed to more centrally located facilities. The research has explored four other ways in which PCL can influence carbon emissions, including reductions in empty container movements, an acceleration of container turnarounds, freight modal shift within the hinterland and the accommodation of carbon-efficient slow-steaming within global logistics schedules.   The tentative conclusion is that, on balance, PCL can yield a net carbon reduction, though it will require much wider adoption of the PCL paradigm for it to have much impact of the overall carbon footprint of UK logistics.

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