Port readiness level

The Port Readiness Level (PRL) is an assessment framework as best practice guidance for ports to support their readiness for their transition, together with their public and private stakeholders. It was initiated by the World Port Climate Action Programme (WPCAP), and now officially integrated under the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) Climate and Energy Technical Committee to unify global port decarbonization efforts. It enables ports to assess and further develop their readiness for new and alternative fuels. The framework looks beyond physical infrastructure and also considers non-physical aspects required for port readiness, including governance, safety, infrastructure, and market conditions. The PRL uses 9 readiness levels, loosely inspired by NASA’s Technology Readiness Level model. These levels describe the development from initial research and assessment towards the full integration of new activities into regular port operations. The first publicly available application of the framework is the Port Readiness Level for Marine Fuels (PRL-MF), focusing on readiness for bunkering low- and zero-carbon marine fuels. The methodology is also being developed for alternative fuels handled as cargo and for port calls by vessels operating on alternative fuels. The different PRL applications follow a comparable structure, while the specific questions and requirements are adapted to the context of bunkering, cargo handling, or port calls.

The PRL is relevant for ports preparing to introduce, expand activities related to alternative fuels, or assess their readiness to become a hub for storage and new clean fuel cargo operations. The questions and requirements are adapted to each application, allowing ports to focus on the PRL variant that matches their situation. The framework is not limited to a specific fuel type or port configuration and can be used by both established ports and ports that are still developing their role. As a self-assessment tool as best practice guidance for ports, the PRL can support ports at different stages of development, from early exploration and identifying priorities to preparing for full operational integration.

The PRL assesses port readiness through 9 levels. Each level represents a different stage of development and gives guidance on what needs to be done to move forward. The PRL brings these requirements together across four domains: governance, safety, infrastructure, and market. Governance focuses on policies, regulation, roles, responsibilities and stakeholder coordination. Safety focuses on risk management, safety requirements, emergency response and preparedness. Infrastructure focuses on physical and technical infrastructure required for the activities. And market focuses on demand, supply, commercial conditions and relevant market actors. Together, the four domains provide a structured basis for assessing port readiness at each level and help identify which areas are sufficiently developed, where gaps remain, and what actions are needed to support further progress.