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Infrastructure resilient to climate change

Climate resilience is the capacity of a system, to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-related disruptions.

ResiliencePort/terminal

Introduction

Climate-resilient port infrastructure can withstand, adapt to and recover from climate impacts. Relevant hazards include sea-level rise, storm surges, flooding, marine submersion, heat, drought, high winds and changing wave conditions. These hazards can damage assets and interrupt port access, utilities and hinterland links. Resilience therefore covers both physical assets and the digital systems needed to keep the port operating.

Value proposition

  • Reduces damage, downtime and safety risks

  • Supports reliable port calls

  • Protects critical supply chains

  • Can avoid costly emergency repairs

Climate-resilient infrastructure reduces damage, downtime and safety risks. It supports reliable port calls and protects critical supply chains. Early adaptation can avoid costly emergency repairs and premature replacement of assets. Flexible measures also help ports respond when future climate conditions remain uncertain.

Port applicability

The topic is relevant to all seaports and inland ports. Priorities depend on geographical location, local hazards, asset age, elevation and dependence on exposed connections. Coastal ports may focus on sea-level rise, storm surge and waves. Inland ports may face flooding, low water and heat. Ports with critical energy, passenger or logistics functions should assess cascading impacts beyond the port area.

Groups of innovations

  • Climate-risk assessment and asset monitoring

    Map hazards, vulnerabilities, critical assets and operational dependencies. Use inspections, sensors and forecasts to track changing conditions. Timing: immediate; Pros: supports risk-based decisions; Cons: needs reliable data and regular updates.

  • Flood and coastal protection

    Use barriers, raised assets, drainage, pumps, floodable areas and strengthened quay structures. Timing: short to long term; Pros: limits physical damage; Cons: high costs and possible impact on natural ecosystem.

  • Climate-resilient design and materials

    Apply future climate loads in design. Use durable materials and corrosion-resistant components. Timing: immediate – short term for new projects (based on technology and knowledge); Pros: extends asset life; Cons: may increase initial costs.

  • Nature-based and hybrid solutions

    Use wetlands, dunes, vegetation and sediment management alongside engineered protection. Timing: medium term; Pros: can add ecological value; Cons: requires space and local suitability.

  • Redundancy and resilient utilities

    Provide backup power, alternative access, spare capacity and protected communication systems. Timing: medium term; Pros: limits cascading failure; Cons: additional assets require investment and maintenance.

Impact

Impact level per aspect
ImpactLevelRemark
Investment securityMedium impact
Supports long-term asset planning and avoids lock-in.
SafetyLarge impact
Limits risks to workers, vessels and nearby communities.
Port city and natureMedium impact
Can protect communities and create ecological value.

Port characteristics

Ports that should prioritise climate-resilient infrastructure are those that face high exposure to flooding, sea-level rise, storm surges, heat, drought or changing water levels. Coastal, estuarine and inland ports can all be vulnerable, depending on their location and functions. Ports with ageing assets, limited drainage, few alternative transport links or critical energy and logistics functions may require earlier action. New port developments can integrate climate adaptation directly into their design, while existing ports may focus first on risk assessments and targeted retrofits. The strongest candidates are ports where authorities, operators, infrastructure owners and public agencies can develop a shared long-term adaptation strategy.

Barriers and enablers

Enablers

  • TechnologyEnabler

    Many monitoring, design, and protection options are already available.

  • DirectionalityEnabler

    Climate adaptation is an increasing policy and investment priority.

  • Stakeholder interactionEnabler

    Measures require coordination iwth operators, cities, utilities and transport authorities.

Barriers

  • KnowledgeBarrier

    Climate scenarios and asset data are available, but local uncertainty remains.

  • EconomicBarrier

    Benefits are mainly avoided future losses, while major protection works require upfront capital.

How to implement?

  1. Step 1

    Set scope, owners, objectives and climate time horizons

  2. Step 2

    Map hazards, critical assets, dependencies and risk levels

  3. Step 3

    Select adaptations pathways, triggers, and no-regret measures

  4. Step 4

    Test monitoring, drainage, protection or nature-based solutions

  5. Step 5

    Integrate resilience into maintenance, renewal and new-build projects

  6. Step 6

    Monitor conditions and update decisions when thresholds are reached

Timeline

The arrow below represents the expected development of the TRL of resilience of infrastructure resilient to climate change.
* Technical Readiness Level

What should a port do in the next 3 years?

A port should complete a climate-risk assessment for critical assets and operations. It should use several climate scenarios and time horizons. Priority no-regret measures can then be added to maintenance and investment plans. New projects are climate-proofed from the design stage. The port need to establish monitoring indicators, decision triggers and joint emergency exercises with key partners.

Investment overview

CAPEX: Investments may include drainage, pumps, barriers, raised equipment, quay reinforcement, resilient materials, sensors, backup power and alternative access. Costs depend strongly on local exposure and asset condition. Combining adaptation with planned renewal can reduce additional costs. OPEX: Recurring costs include inspections, monitoring, forecasting, maintenance, data management, training and emergency exercises. Nature-based solutions also require long-term management. Better preparation can reduce disruption and emergency repair costs.

Stakeholder overview

Below is an overview of the required involved stakeholders. Port authorities coordinate the adaptation strategy and long-term asset planning. Terminal operators and infrastructure owners provide asset and operational data. Municipalities, national, regional and water authorities and transport agencies align flood protection and hinterland connections. Climate experts, engineers and technology providers support risk assessment and design. Emergency services, utilities, insurers and financiers help test continuity, affordability and recovery arrangements.
Blue stakeholders are essential, white stakeholders are enabling

Knowledge base