Feature, Freight News, Sea

Ports urged to plan for climate change

[ March 30, 2021   //   Chris ]

Ports are being urged to plan and implement measures to adapt to climate change in a paper published by the British Ports Association and engineering consultancy HR Wallingford. Infrastructure such as quays and breakwaters could be vulnerable to a rise in sea level and, as they are often key to protecting coastal communities, there could be wider ramifications, say the authors.

Ports should consider building in allowances for a rise in sea level when constructing new infrastructure, investing in assets that will make it easier to raise breakwaters and sea walls in the future and advance planning of how to replace structures when needed

As port assets often have a lifespan of several generations, port authorities and operators need to consider how they will stand up to what is likely to be a very different climate in 2120.

Tags: British Ports Association; BPA