Purpose: This study analyzes the structural characteristics of ESG materiality assessment systems and assesses the indicators implemented by leading global port authorities in order to propose directions for improving ESG indicators suitable for South...
Purpose: This study analyzes the structural characteristics of ESG materiality assessment systems and assesses the indicators implemented by leading global port authorities in order to propose directions for improving ESG indicators suitable for South Korea’s authorities.
Research design, data, and methodology: The study analyzes ESG management reports and the materiality assessment results of Korea’s four major port authorities. It also examines the ESG reports and annual reports of six global port authorities and operators—Rotterdam, Antwerp, Singapore PSA, Tianjin Port, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and DP World—to derive materiality assessment processes, core themes, management systems, and distinctive indicators.
Results: Regarding environmental indicators, although domestic port authorities’ indicator selections show some linkage compared to advanced global ports, they lack differentiated indicators for ecosystem protection, eco-friendly technology, and ESG risk management. Specifically identified as necessary are the following: establishing a global-level ESG indicator system, implementing climate-scenario-based risk management, developing social and environmental indicators that reflect regional and industrial characteristics, and creating integrated KPIs linked to ESG management.
Conclusions: Domestic port authorities lack differentiated advanced indicators in areas such as smart ports, ecosystem protection, eco-friendly technologies, and ESG risk management. Indicators in these areas require improvement and supplementation.