INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNO V A T ION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)

ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |V o lume X Issue X October 2025

Sustainable Transformation of Petroleum Logistics Through

Innovative Systems and Governance Synergy

George Ikenna Ignatius^1,3*, Onileowo Temitope Teniola²

¹Department of Petroleum Engineering (FKT), Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, University

Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM JB, Skudai, Johor, MALAYSIA.

²Department of Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Management Sciences, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti,

Ekiti State, Nigeria.

³Transport Technology Center, Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, NITT, Zaria, P. M. B. 1147,

Kaduna State, Nigeria

*Corresponding author

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51584/IJRIAS.2025.10100000208

Received: 10 November 2025; Accepted: 17 November 2025; Published: 26 November 2025

ABSTRACT:

The petroleum logistics sector is a critical yet carbon-intensive component of global energy systems. As

pressure mounts to align with low-carbon and circular economy goals, this review examines the convergence

of technological and administrative innovations that enable sustainability across upstream, midstream, and

downstream logistics. Drawing on literature from 2010 to 2024 and grounded in sustainability transitions and

innovation systems theory, the review synthesizes advancements in digital tools (AI, IoT, blockchain), green

logistics practices (eco-routing, predictive maintenance), and institutional reforms (governance frameworks,

regulatory incentives, sustainable procurement). Key research gaps and policy implications were identified,

offering actionable insights for decarbonizing petroleum logistics in pursuit of cleaner production and

sustainable development.

Keywords: Petroleum Logistics, Sustainability Transitions, Digital Innovation, Administrative Reform,

Digital Technologies

INTRODUCTION

Logistics constitutes the operational infrastructure of the petroleum sector, enabling the coordinated movement

of crude oil, refined products, and ancillary inputs across interconnected global supply chains (Zhang et al.,

2022). These systems are pivotal for ensuring supply continuity, cost-efficiency, and reliability across

upstream, midstream, and downstream functions (IEA, 2023). However, the environmental externalities

associated with petroleum logistics, including greenhouse gas emissions, flaring, hazardous waste discharge,

and pipeline related ecological risks have raised increasing concerns within the sustainability discourse

(Abioye et al., 2023; Parry et al., 2022). However, in regards to global commitments toward climate action and

resource efficiency, logistics within the petroleum domain is subject to intensifying demands for transition

toward environmentally responsible operational configurations. Despite notable progress in extraction and

refining technologies, logistics operations exhibit structural resistance to sustainable transformation.

Contributory factors include legacy infrastructure, fragmented regulatory regimes, and the underutilisation of

enabling digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain

platforms (Govindan et al., 2020; Saberi et al., 2019; Zhao et al., 2021). These systemic limitations underscore

the urgency for integrated innovation trajectories. Concurrently, such gaps present a strategic locus for market-

based interventions through sustainability-oriented innovation.

Petroleum logistics remains a critical infrastructure within the global energy economy, yet it continues to face

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNO V A T ION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)

ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |V o lume X Issue X October 2025

intensified pressure to align with sustainability and low-carbon development agendas. While existing literature

(Nguyen et al., 2023; Markard et al., 2012), recognises the environmental burdens arising from emissions,

leakages, waste generation and supply-chain inefficiencies, these discussions often lack an integrated

perspective on how technological, administrative, and entrepreneurial innovations interact to reshape logistics

systems (Bergek et al., 2008; Jenkins & Wright, 2014). This review therefore positions petroleum logistics

within the broader transitions discourse by highlighting the systemic challenges that impede sustainability and

the innovation pathways capable of driving sector-wide transformation. Although environmental risks, such as

flaring, pipeline failures and hazardous waste, remain notable concerns, the central issue is the sector’s slow

adoption of scalable innovations capable of mitigating these risks (UNEP, 2021). Legacy infrastructure,

fragmented regulatory systems and inconsistent digital readiness contribute to this inertia (Boström et al.,

2015). Rather than revisiting these challenges in detail, this review focuses on the innovation mechanisms that

can address them through integrated policy, technology and governance strategies.

2.0 The Need for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

2.1 Innovation Gaps in Petroleum Supply Chains

While upstream technologies such as enhanced oil recovery and deepwater drilling have evolved, petroleum

logistics remains technologically stagnant in many regions. The limited adoption of Industry 4.0 tools such as

blockchain, IoT, and AI in petroleum supply chains reflects a gap in digital readiness and innovation

investment (Ghosh et al., 2021).

TABLE 2.1: Studies On Innovations and Sustainability in Petroleum Logistics (2000-2024)

Author(s) Year Geographic Innovation

Petroleum

Sector

Main Contribution

Journal (Q-

Ranking)

Scope

Type

Focus

Saberi et 2019 Global

al.

Digital

(Blockchain)

Midstream

Proposed

a Renewable

and

blockchainenabled

architecture to enhance

traceability and reduce

fraud in logistics

Sustainable

Energy

Reviews (Q1)

Govindan 2020 Asia-Pacific Technological Upstream

Developed

a

hybrid Journal of

et al.

&

model integrating IoT Cleaner

and green logistics for Production

Administrative

emissions reduction

(Q1)

Zhao et 2021 China

al.

Technological Downstream Examined

AI-based Resources,

(AI, IoT)

route optimization and Conservation

predictive maintenance & Recycling

systems for reducing (Q1)

logistics costs

Abioye et 2023 Nigeria

Entrepreneurial Midstream

Assessed

entrepreneurship and (Q1)

Downstream policy barriers to

sustainable

transition

green Energy Policy

al.

(West

Innovation

&

Africa)

logistics

in

oilproducing regions

Nguyen et 2023 Southeast

Administrative Upstream & Investigated

ESG Journal of

and Environmental

Management

al.

Asia

&

Midstream

compliance

Entrepreneurial

ecoentrepreneurship

strategies in logistics (Q1)

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platforms

Markard

et al.

2012 Europe

Sustainability

Transitions

Framework

Crosssectoral Applied

multi-level Research

perspective (MLP) to Policy (Q1)

explain how transitions

in logistics emerge

under niche innovations

Bergek et 2008 Conceptual Innovation

Crosssectoral Developed

a Technological

Forecasting &

analyzing Social Change

system (Q1)

al.

(Sweden)

Systems

Theory

framework

for

innovation

dynamics

in

energyrelated logistics

transitions

Geels

2011 Theoretical Sustainability

(Europe) Transitions

Crosssectoral Provided the MLP Environmental

Innovation

and Societal

Transitions

(Q1)

framework to explain

resistance

opportunities

and

for

transition in logistics

Moreso, traditional petroleum logistics systems rely heavily on paper-based documentation and fossil-

fuelpowered transport, making them increasingly incompatible with emerging sustainability requirements

(IEA, 2022). This technological inertia hampers the sector’s ability to adapt to volatile demand, optimize

operations, and reduce environmental harm.

2.2 Entrepreneurial Roles in Decarbonizing Logistics

Entrepreneurship offers a pathway for addressing innovation gaps through agile, scalable, and

sustainabilitydriven solutions. Startups and intrapreneurs are introducing green fleet technologies, AI-powered

logistics planning, and renewable-powered distribution hubs to reduce carbon intensity in petroleum logistics

(Boons & Lüdeke-Freund, 2013). These entrepreneurial ventures often emerge from innovation ecosystems

comprising universities, research institutions, and venture capital networks. Moreover, entrepreneurial

activities promote circular economy approaches such as logistics-as-a-service (LaaS), oil residue valorisation,

and smart waste handling all of which align with global SDG targets (Giones & Brem, 2017; Onileowo and

Muharam, 2024).

2.3 Fragmentation in Existing Sustainability Approaches

This review of technological and administrative innovations aimed at enhancing sustainability within

petroleum logistics a sector increasingly scrutinized due to its substantial contribution to global greenhouse

gas emissions and environmental degradation (IEA, 2023; Zhang et al., 2022). Meanwhile, prior studies have

made significant strides in exploring individual components such as digital technologies including artificial

intelligence (AI) for predictive analytics (Govindan et al., 2020), Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time asset

monitoring (Zhao et al., 2021), and blockchain for traceability and trust in supply chains (Saberi et al., 2019)

many of these studies adopt a fragmented approach. Moreover, policy-cantered studies tend to emphasize

carbon pricing (Parry et al., 2022) or green compliance incentives (Kivihotanen & Linnanen, 2020) in

isolation. However, the interaction between these technological advancements and administrative mechanisms,

particularly their convergence in shaping sustainable logistics strategies, remains insufficiently examined.

Consequently, this review takes an integrative perspective of how digital tools, green process innovations (e.g.,

eco-routing, fuel-efficient fleets), governance structures (e.g., emissions trading schemes, subsidy reforms),

and entrepreneurial ecosystems collectively contribute to sustainability transitions in petroleum logistics.

Anchored in sustainability transitions theory (Geels, 2011) and the innovation systems perspective (Bergek et

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ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |V o lume X Issue X October 2025

al., 2008), the study draws upon peer-reviewed articles, institutional white papers, and empirical industry

evidence published between 2010 and 2024. This approach allows for a multidimensional synthesis of findings

across disciplines and geographic contexts. In doing so, the study addresses a key research gap: the lack of

integrative analyses that consider the dynamic interplay between technological deployment and institutional

governance within fossil fuel logistics. Although digital technologies have gained traction in enhancing

operational efficiency and environmental monitoring (Tseng et al., 2019), there remains a paucity of studies

that explore how administrative and entrepreneurial mechanisms mediate or amplify these technological

impacts. Additionally, the literature underrepresents logistics-specific sustainability studies, particularly those

focused on petroleum supply chains, where the stakes for carbon reduction are exceptionally high (Abioye et

al., 2023). These deficiencies limit both the explanatory power of current theoretical frameworks and the

practical utility of existing strategies.

The novelty of this study lies in its emphasis on technological administrative convergence as a catalyst for

sustainability-led transformation in petroleum logistics an angle that is notably absent in existing reviews.

Unlike conventional approaches that analyse either the “what” (technologies) or the “how” (policy tools) in

isolation, this paper demonstrates that sustainable logistics outcomes emerge from their interaction, feedback

mechanisms, and contextual adaptation (Markard et al., 2012). Accordingly, this research contributes to the

field by developing an interdisciplinary framework that captures the synergistic roles of innovation

ecosystems, institutional logics, and sustainability performance. It further identifies critical barriers such as

data interoperability, regulatory fragmentation, and entrepreneurial inertia, while highlighting enablers

including digital infrastructure, crosssector partnerships, and real-time compliance platforms. As such, the

findings offer a roadmap for researchers, industry practitioners, and policymakers to design holistic, adaptive,

and scalable strategies for low-carbon logistics transformation thereby advancing global sustainability targets

such as those outlined in SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

2.4. Petroleum Logistics and the Sustainability Challenge

Definition and Scope of Petroleum Logistics Petroleum logistics encompasses the full spectrum of activities in

upstream (exploration and production), midstream (transportation and storage), and downstream (refining and

distribution) segments of the oil and gas value chain (Rodrigue, 2020). Environmental Footprint The

petroleum supply chain contributes significantly to global GHG emissions, hazardous waste, oil spills, and

energy inefficiencies (IEA, 2021). Midstream transportation, often reliant on diesel-powered vehicles, and

inefficient storage infrastructure exacerbate ecological risks. Sustainability Imperatives Growing global

commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social, and Governance

(ESG) performance indicators demand decarbonization of logistics. Circular economy principles and net-zero

targets are pressuring the petroleum sector to innovate sustainably (Geissdoerfer et al., 2017).

2.5. Technological Innovations in Petroleum Logistics

Digital Technologies Digital transformation is revolutionizing petroleum logistics. The use of AI and machine

learning for demand forecasting, Internet of Things (IoT) for asset tracking, and blockchain for transparent

supply chain transactions enhances efficiency and reduces emissions (Abeyratne & Monfared, 2016; George

et. al, 2023). Process Optimization Innovations such as predictive maintenance, route optimization algorithms,

and digital twins reduce operational disruptions and improve fuel efficiency. Smart sensors and real-time

analytics are enabling proactive logistics management (Zhang et al., 2022). Green Technologies The adoption

of lowemission vehicles, renewable-powered logistics hubs, and hybrid marine fuel systems are emerging as

alternatives to traditional petroleum logistics models. Hydrogen fuel and electric transport fleets are being

explored in pilot studies (IRENA, 2023). Sustainability Metrics and Monitoring Tools Advanced carbon

accounting tools and life cycle assessment (LCA) software like OpenLCA and SimaPro are used to measure

emissions along the petroleum logistics chain. These tools support decision-making in sustainability reporting

and compliance (Hellweg & Milà i Canals, 2014).

2.6. Administrative and Policy Innovations

Governance Structures Collaborative governance through public- private partnerships (PPPs) and international

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regulatory bodies are driving coordinated innovation. Cross-border energy corridor agreements are emerging

as a policy innovation for infrastructure development (IEA, 2020). Regulatory Reforms Policies mandating

carbon emission reductions, stricter waste disposal protocols, and enhanced logistics transparency are being

implemented globally. The European Union’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) is a benchmark reform tool in

energy logistics (EU ETS, 2022). Incentive Systems Mechanisms such as carbon credits, R&D subsidies, and

green logistics grants are being adopted to encourage innovation. Fiscal incentives for digital infrastructure in

supply chains are increasingly common (UNCTAD, 2022). Sustainable Procurement and Compliance Models

Procurement policies that prioritize sustainability criteria and compliance models aligned with ISO 14001 are

helping logistics providers adopt greener practices. Sustainable logistics KPIs are being integrated into supply

contracts (Tachizawa et al., 2015).

2.7. The Role of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management

Innovation Ecosystems Entrepreneurial ecosystems comprising startups, university spin-offs, and energy

innovation hubs, are vital in piloting and scaling sustainable logistics solutions. These networks accelerate

technology transfer and innovation diffusion (Spigel, 2017). Business Models for Sustainable Petroleum

Logistics Emerging models include Circular Logistics (reusing and recycling logistics assets), Logistics-as-

aService (LaaS), and Resource-Efficient Logistics (REL). These models aim to decouple logistics performance

from environmental degradation (Bocken et al., 2014; George et al. 2024). Barriers to Innovation Key barriers

include high capital costs for clean technology, regulatory uncertainty, legacy infrastructure, and conservative

organizational culture in petroleum firms (Chesbrough, 2020). Enablers and Success Factors Leadership

commitment, institutional readiness, digital infrastructure, and clear regulatory guidelines are enablers of

innovation. Cross-sector collaboration and talent development are also critical (Onileowo et. al. 2022).

2.8. The Synergistic Convergence of Technological and Administrative Innovations

The growing sustainability imperative in the petroleum logistics sector necessitates a dual-lens focus on both

technological advancements and administrative innovation. The evidence from this review indicates that

neither approach alone is sufficient to drive a comprehensive transition toward low-carbon, resilient logistics

systems. Technological innovations such as sensor-based environmental monitoring, blockchain traceability in

fuel movement, and AI-powered optimization of fleet routes are increasingly available (Yadav et al., 2021;

Fahimnia et al., 2022). However, these innovations can only achieve system-wide sustainability outcomes

when embedded within supportive administrative structures such as regulatory frameworks, strategic

procurement policies, and organizational change management (Geissdoerfer et al., 2018).

A synergistic interaction emerges when digital logistics technologies are deployed in tandem with

administrative reforms. For example, real-time data from IoT platforms can inform compliance dashboards

linked to national emissions reporting schemes. Similarly, innovation in carbon taxation or green procurement

policies can stimulate the entrepreneurship needed to drive investment in logistics retrofitting (Garcia-Torres et

al., 2021). This integrated approach reflects the innovation systems framework, where multiple actors’

government, industry, and academia coordinate across technological and institutional dimensions to address

sustainability challenges (Bergek et al., 2008).

2.8.1 Implications for Policy, Practice, and Scholarship

From a policy standpoint, the convergence of technology and administration in petroleum logistics

underscores the importance of integrative governance. Policymakers must adopt a proactive stance by

incentivizing ecoinnovation through fiscal instruments and by mandating emissions disclosures across supply

chain nodes (UNCTAD, 2022). Creating regulatory sandboxes can help test logistics innovations before full-

scale deployment, while cross-border policy harmonization can mitigate data-sharing and compliance

challenges in transnational fuel trade. Industry practitioners are encouraged to pursue sustainability as a core

component of logistics strategy. This includes investment in digital twins for pipeline monitoring, adoption of

blockchain for product authentication, and utilization of AI for risk anticipation in spill management. Equally

critical is the entrepreneurial reconfiguration of logistics business models shifting from cost-minimization to

impactoptimization paradigms (Rajala et al., 2016). Academia holds a unique role in conceptualizing and

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empirically validating the integrated frameworks for sustainable logistics. Interdisciplinary collaborations

between management, engineering, and environmental sciences are particularly vital to model techno-

administrative interactions and to evaluate their systemic implications (França et al., 2017).

2.8.2 Institutional Adaptation for Sector-Specific Innovation

The petroleum logistics sector can draw valuable lessons from adjacent energy domains particularly renewable

energy and circular logistics. In solar and wind supply chains, innovation is accelerated through open data

ecosystems, modular designs, and public-private partnerships (Kassem & Trenz, 2020). Moreover, green

logistics initiatives in the electric vehicle (EV) and biofuel sectors demonstrate how regulatory innovation

such as carbon credit trading and logistics eco-labelling can be harmonized with digital traceability platforms

to drive cleaner transportation outcomes (Nguyen et al., 2023). While petroleum logistics faces legacy

infrastructure and complex geopolitical entanglements, comparative insights suggest that aligning innovation

efforts with sustainability regulations yields transformational benefits. The key lies in translating these lessons

through petroleum-specific institutional mechanisms.

METHODOLOGY

The PRISMA flow diagram (Figure 1) outlines a rigorous and transparent screening process.

Figure 1: PRISMA Flow Diagram

Articles were retrieved from high-impact databases Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and SpringerLink

using strategically combined keywords such as “petroleum logistics,” “sustainability innovation,” “digital

logistics,” “green supply chains,” and “entrepreneurship in energy systems.” The search was confined to

peerreviewed journal articles published between 2000 and 2024, emphasizing Q1 and Q2 journals based on

Scopus and Clarivate rankings. Studies qualified for inclusion if they addressed upstream, midstream, or

downstream petroleum logistics and provided conceptual, empirical, or theoretical insights into innovation

(technological or administrative) and sustainability. Exclusion criteria filtered out non-peer-reviewed sources,

articles not directly related to sustainability-driven logistics transformation, and case studies lacking

generalizable frameworks or contributions to innovation theory. This methodological foundation strengthens

the reliability and scope of the findings, enabling a focused yet comprehensive review of innovation

convergence for sustainable petroleum logistics.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

From an initial pool of 2,140 records, 64 met inclusion criteria after duplicates and low-quality studies were

removed as depicted in Table 4.1. This reflects a relatively narrow but deep research field, with high relevance

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and rigor but limited diversity in geographic and industrial contexts. Most studies originated from OECD

countries (notably USA, Germany, China, and South Korea), indicating a geographical bias that potentially

limits global generalizability. The growing body of literature analysed in this review indicates an accelerated

academic interest in sustainability within petroleum logistics, particularly after the formal adoption of the

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. Between 2018 and 2024, more than 65% of the studies

reviewed were published, reflecting a notable shift in research priorities. This trend illustrates how

sustainability discourses have permeated logistics discussions, with petroleum operations increasingly being

assessed not only for their efficiency but also for their environmental, social, and governance (ESG)

performance. Journals such as Journal of Cleaner Production, Energy Policy, and Transport Research Part D

emerged as key knowledge dissemination platforms, underscoring the sector’s reorientation towards cleaner,

greener operations.

4.1 Summary of Innovation Types by Sector

TABLE 4.1. Publication Timeline & Sustainability Focus

Time Period

Percentage

of Key Observations

Publications

2015–2017

20%

Gradual inclusion of SDG themes

2018–2024

65%

Significant increase in sustainability-focused studies

post-SDGs

Pre-2015

15%

Limited focus on ESG in petroleum logistics

To ensure methodological robustness and transparency, the PRISMA protocol was employed throughout the

systematic review process (see Table 4.2). Starting from an initial dataset of 2,140 articles sourced from

leading databases including Scopus, Web of Science, and SpringerLink, a rigorous multi-phase screening

process reduced the pool to 64 articles that met predefined quality and relevance benchmarks. By

systematically excluding studies that lacked empirical grounding, theoretical rigor, or peer-reviewed

credibility, the review reinforced its internal validity. This rigorous selection lends substantial credibility to the

trends and thematic insights derived from the selected studies, enhancing the replicability and trustworthiness

of the review’s conclusions.

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TABLE 4.2. Prisma Screening & Article Selection

Screening Phase

Number of Articles

Outcome

Initial Database Search

2,140

Articles retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science,

SpringerLink

Title & Abstract Screening 1,005

Eliminated duplicates and irrelevant titles

Applied inclusion/exclusion criteria

Full-Text Screening

Final Inclusion

154

64

Selected for thematic and methodological relevance

Sectoral analysis from Table 4.3 of the selected literature highlights a pronounced focus on downstream

petroleum logistics, accounting for nearly 45% of the reviewed studies. This emphasis is likely attributable to

the heightened scrutiny faced by downstream operations due to their direct interface with consumers and

regulatory authorities. Innovations in downstream segments such as smart fuel delivery systems, digital

inventory tracking, and blockchain-based audit trails represent reactive responses to external pressures.

Conversely, midstream and upstream segments though not ignored featured less frequently and primarily

revolved around predictive analytics for exploration and Internet-of-Things (IoT)-based pipeline monitoring.

This distribution reflects an innovation landscape shaped more by external accountability demands than

intrinsic operational reforms.

TABLE 4.3 Sectoral Distribution Of Innovation Studies

Petroleum Logistics Segment

Percentage

Innovation Focus

Downstream

Midstream

45%

30%

Smart delivery, digital inventory, blockchain audit

IoT pipeline monitoring, analytics

Upstream

25%

Exploration technologies, predictive tools

Crucially, Table 4.4 shows as technological innovation emerged as the most dominant theme across the

reviewed literature, appearing in 58% of the analysed studies. Artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, machine

learning, and IoT applications were highlighted as transformational tools enabling enhanced traceability, leak

detection, and route optimization. For instance, predictive maintenance through AI and real-time monitoring

via IoT not only improve operational efficiency but also contribute significantly to emission reductions and

safety improvements. Such innovations align with the broader Industry 4.0 paradigm, positioning digital

technologies as indispensable assets in driving sustainable practices across the petroleum logistics value chain.

TABLE 4.4 Innovation Themes & Technologies

Innovation Type

Percentage Presence Key Technologies/Policies

58% AI, IoT, Blockchain, ML, Predictive Maintenance

Technological Innovation

Administrative Innovation 42%

Entrepreneurial Innovation 19%

Carbon tax, green procurement, logistics policy

SME-led platforms, green VC-backed apps

Notably, administrative and governance innovations, while less headline-grabbing, form the backbone of

successful sustainability transitions. Representing 42% across the literature, governance measures such as

carbon taxation, integrated logistics planning frameworks, and green procurement policies were found to

significantly enhance the adoption and scaling of technological interventions. The review revealed that

technological innovations often faltered in the absence of robust administrative scaffolding. As such, a co-

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evolutionary innovation model is necessary one where policy, institutional arrangements, and technology

reinforce each other in pursuit of systemic sustainability outcomes.

TABLE 4.5 Geographical Distribution Of Studies

Region

Level of Representation

Notes

North America

Europe

High

Strong representation in empirical studies

Policy and governance-focused research

Technological innovation leadership

Few empirical studies despite high oil activity

Minimal representation

High

East Asia

Africa

Moderate

Low

Latin America

Middle East

Low

Mostly theoretical or policy-oriented

A clearer divergence also emerges between innovation trajectories in developed and developing regions.

OECD countries tend to advance digital optimisation, automated monitoring, circular logistics models and

strict environmental compliance frameworks. In contrast, petroleum-producing regions in Africa, Latin

America and parts of the Middle East face infrastructural constraints, limited digital penetration, weak

regulatory enforcement and political instability, which collectively slow innovation adoption. This comparison

underscores the uneven landscape of sustainability transitions and highlights the need for context-specific

strategies rather than universal policy prescriptions.

The critical appraisal of the studies as depicted on Table 4.6 using a modified CASP checklist confirmed that

the majority approximately 78% were methodologically rigorous, scoring above 70% in quality metrics.

However, this evaluation also surfaced gaps in empirical depth. Notably, very few studies employed

longitudinal data or incorporated real-time operational metrics, and only a minority embraced interdisciplinary

approaches that combined sustainability science, logistics engineering, and entrepreneurial frameworks. This

fragmentation highlights a need for more integrative research methodologies that reflect the interconnected

realities of modern petroleum logistics systems. Table 4.6 further synthesises the quality distribution across the

reviewed studies, highlighting methodological strengths and revealing areas needing deeper empirical

attention.

TABLE 4.6 Critical Appraisal Of Study Quality

Quality Metric

Proportion of Studies Notes

Above 70% (High Quality)

78%

Strong

methodology,

theoretical

frameworks

Below 70% (Low-Moderate

Quality)

22%

Gaps in data depth, interdisciplinary

coverage

An emerging consensus across the reviewed literature is the growing recognition of integrated innovation

pathways as crucial to achieving sustainability in petroleum logistics. Studies that demonstrated convergence

across technology, governance, and entrepreneurship consistently presented more actionable and contextually

grounded solutions. For example, blockchain adoption was significantly more impactful when supported by

enabling regulations and commercialized through agile start-up models. These findings lend credence to the

multi-level perspective (MLP) theory, which posits that transformative sustainability outcomes result from the

dynamic interplay between niche innovations, established regimes, and macro-level landscape pressures. In

clear context, the review articulates a clear trajectory for future research, practice, and policy. While

technological advancements remain central, they must be embedded within supportive governance systems

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and entrepreneurial ecosystems to achieve meaningful, scalable change. Industry stakeholders are encouraged

to pursue digital transformation strategies tied to sustainability KPIs, while researchers must push the

boundaries by integrating entrepreneurial dynamics and policy analysis into logistics innovation studies.

Policymakers, on their part, should design enabling environments through regulatory innovation, tax

incentives, and digital infrastructure investments. Only through this cross-sectoral alignment can petroleum

logistics evolve in harmony with global climate commitments and development priorities.

5. Research Gaps and Future Directions

Despite growing research attention, critical research and implementation gaps persist at the intersection of

innovation and sustainability in petroleum logistics. First, the literature remains fragmented, with

technological advancements and administrative reforms often examined in isolation, lacking integrated

frameworks that reveal their interdependence and systemic feedback loops (Govindan et al., 2020). Future

research should leverage system dynamics and socio-technical transition models to conceptualize how these

domains interactively shape sustainable performance outcomes. Moreover, existing studies tend to

disproportionately focus on upstream operations, such as extraction and refining, while downstream logistics

from storage and transportation to final distribution remain underexplored in terms of carbon intensity,

environmental risk, and innovation readiness across diverse modes like maritime, rail, and pipeline systems

(Parida et al., 2019). Another pressing gap lies in the absence of real-time sustainability compliance platforms

tailored to petroleum logistics. Unlike sectors such as agriculture or automotive, which increasingly employ

AI-driven systems for ESG performance tracking, petroleum logistics has yet to embrace such digital solutions

(Gonzalez-Sanchez et al., 2022). Furthermore, data governance remains a weak link, with poor interoperability

across regulatory, operational, and technical layers limiting transparency and hampering decision-making.

There is a significant need for research into how blockchain and interoperable data standards can support

verifiable emissions reporting, logistics traceability, and regulatory compliance (Treiblmaier, 2019).

Addressing these gaps will be essential for enabling actionable, scalable, and technology-governed pathways

toward sustainable transformation in petroleum logistics.

CONCLUSION

As summarised in Tables 4.1 to 4.6, technological innovations dominate the literature, with AI, IoT and

blockchain appearing most frequently, while administrative tools remain comparatively underexplored. These

patterns validate the argument that sustainability transitions cannot rely solely on technology; instead, they

require robust governance structures and institutional alignment. The findings also emphasise the geographical

imbalance, reinforcing the need for differentiated policy and capacity-building approaches in developing

regions. Strategic recommendations emerging from this synthesis include the formulation of regulatory

incentives to stimulate green logistics entrepreneurship, the industry-wide adoption of interoperable platforms

for sustainability compliance, and investment in interdisciplinary research that addresses system-level

innovation dynamics. Moreover, the establishment of national or regional observatories to benchmark logistics

innovation can provide critical oversight and momentum. Ultimately, petroleum logistics stands at a pivotal

juncture one that requires abandoning legacy operational models in favour of future-ready, innovation-driven

approaches grounded in sustainability. Navigating this transformation will demand sustained entrepreneurial

engagement, robust governance, and the ongoing convergence of technological and administrative capabilities.

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Ethical Approval: There was no ethical approval as all procedures performed in studies did not involve

human participants to the best of the authors.

Consent to Participate: Not applicable

Consent to Publish: Not applicable.

Authors Contributions: George Ikenna Ignatius: Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing- Reviewing and

Editing, Data curation, Writing- Original draft preparation. Visualization,

Temitope Teniola Onileowo: Supervision,

George Ikenna Ignatius: Proofreading and Funding.

Funding: There is no source of funding.

Declaration of Competing Interests

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial or interpersonal conflicts that would have

appeared to have an impact on the research presented in this study.

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Data availability

No data was used for the research described in the article.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The authors would like to thank the Research Management Centre, University Teknologi Malaysia for

technical support.

Declaration of interests

1. ☒ The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships

that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

2. ☐The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered

as potential competing interests

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