Understanding the factors and characteristics of the business and the influence of cargo owners on sustainable practices in maritime logistics chains is the main objective of this study. The sample consists of 141 valid responses from Portuguese companies that own cargo, freight forwarders and other maritime logistics service providers. Sustainable energy theory, green state theory, and shared value creation theory support the research. The SEM methodology was adopted. The sector’s structure, management characteristics, type of transport contract and the size of the cargo characterize and condition the business of cargo owners and influence the choice of green transport, the use of green fuel and corporate social responsibility. It is important to increase the knowledge and practice of cargo owners in order to understand their business constraints.