Nature-based solutions as sustainability alternatives for shipping: A systematic review

Nature-based Solutions (NBS) have begun receiving growing attention for their potential in addressing strong sustainability challenges. Having recognized slow progress in shipping sustainability, this study aims to explore the NBS-related approaches for shipping following the connections between NBS and the requirements of shipping sustainability in their theoretical bases, objectives, and implications. Through a systematic literature review, this study finds long-range NBS-related applications in shipping although NBS discourse in shipping emerged recently. Despite some differences in the specific functions of relevant NBS approaches, the better management, restoration, or conservation of ecosystems and the creation of new ecosystems have been identified to move sustainability forward. However, limitations of the literature review such as relying much on the existing publications, not covering all alternatives, and lacking outcomes measurement exist. More practical knowledge, case studies, quantitative measurements, and modelling are further suggested to help build evidence-based NBS information bases to support sustainability in shipping, complementary to current engineering and technological sustainability solutions.