Ports in a Storm: Port-City Environmental Challenges and Solutions

Abstract

The potential detrimental environmental impact of ports is vast, and port-cities bear the brunt of this. It is essential that future port-city development proceeds in such a way as to reduce the environmental impact that port activity creates for the city and local area. This global study of port authorities in 26 countries and city authorities in 13 countries investigated the current views on pollution, levels of adoption of mitigation measures, future plans, levels of interest in adoption and barriers to key measures for reducing a port’s environmental impact. This reveals consensus on key areas between port and city authorities for the first time. Water pollution was found to be the number one environmental concern of port authorities globally. Air, noise and waste were also found to be important forms of pollution in ports, both from the perspective of port and city authorities and in terms of complaints received. Ports largely have facilities for recycling, although the majority have no set recycling plans, with 62% of ports having none in place. Targets should be encouraged, as well as circular economy approaches, if this is to be addressed. Renewable energy, electric port equipment, building efficiency improvements, electric port and harbour vessels and shore-to-ship power all have high levels of support from port and city authorities, although costs provide the largest barriers to implementation. Greater cooperation between port-city stakeholders is necessary to overcome the large financial barriers that appear to be preventing ports from pursuing the environmental improvements they are interested in.

Marine transmissible cancer navigates urbanised waters, threatening to spillover

“…Port-based shipping activities are major contributors to water pollution, including issues such as oil spills, plastic contamination, wastewater discharge, and the use of antifouling paint [50,51].…”

Marine transmissible cancer navigates urbanized waters, threatening spillover

“…Port-based shipping activities are major contributors to water pollution, including issues such as oil spills, plastic contamination, wastewater discharge and the use of antifouling paint [50,51]. Pollution is a major environmental stressor that could affect host physiology and increase susceptibility to parasites, particularly by altering its immune response (reviewed in [52]).…”

Challenges in the Digital Transformation of Ports

“…The evolution of customer needs in ports reflects transformations in the maritime industry, global trade, and the changing expectations of stakeholders. Roberts et al [94] point out that environmental awareness is shaping customer expectations in ports. Customers are now looking for port facilities and operations that are aligned with environmentally responsible practices, such as reducing carbon emissions, using clean energy, and minimizing waste.…”