Purpose – The purpose of this research is to develop a set of policies to solve the decarbonization issues of container terminal clusters. Design/methodology/approach – This research used the system dynamics approach to develop an integrated multi-issue policy model. Findings – We found that the mandatory use of low-sulfur fuel can decrease GRDP and container throughput and hinder the growth of companies and workers due to high fuel prices. However, it can contribute to a significant reduction in SOx emissions. Research limitations/implications – This research used the Tanjung Priok container terminal cluster in Jakarta, Indonesia, as its case study. Hence, some findings are attached to the characters of this container terminal cluster. Practical implications – We found that an integrated policy approach that can tackle technical and social issues can be used to develop a novel approach to solving the complexity that arises in a complex socio-technical system such as container terminal clusters. Social implications – As this research used the socio-technical systemic point of view, we found that solutions for major environmental issues should be coupled with significant social programs to (at least) maintain the welfare of society. Originality/value – This research used the integrated complexity model approach, system dynamics, which can significantly increase society’s ability to tackle multi-issue problems such as decarbonizing container terminal clusters. © Armand Omar Moeis, Chatarina Petra Salim, Andri Dwi Setiawan and Arry Rahmawan Destyanto.