Collaborative governance in maritime transport: policy arrangements under the European green deal

This article examines the emergence of collaborative governance within the EU maritime transport sector in response to the European Green Deal (EGD) and its decarbonization agenda. Using a nested case study design, it analyses policy arrangements for shipping and ports, applying a combined analytical framework based on the policy arrangement concept and collaborative governance theory. The findings highlight that while shipping and port sectors have historically operated in siloed arrangements, the EGD has prompted cross-sectoral collaboration through initiatives such as green shipping corridors, alternative fuel infrastructure projects, and stakeholder alliances. Increased collaborative dynamics are evident both within and between these two sectors, fostering trust, alignment, and early joint problem-solving. However, large-scale joint action and fully integrated governance mechanisms remain limited, indicating that the emergent collaborative governance regime is in its formative stage. The study demonstrates how the EGD is reshaping sectoral interactions, providing a foundation for transformative change in maritime transport governance, while highlighting the need for sustained institutionalization, joint investment, and system-level adaptation to realize long-term impact.