Resilience4Ports:
Knowledge Library

The guidebook offers a comprehensive approach to enhancing resilience in the maritime supply chain, primarily focusing on container ports. It outlines strategies for risk identification, assessment, and management, covering measures to be taken before, during, and after disruptions. The target audience includes various stakeholders in the port ecosystem, such as government agencies, port authorities, operators, and others. The guidebook is structured into four parts, addressing risk management concepts, hazard scenarios, case studies, and additional resources. Its primary goal is to foster collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the continued reliability of container ports, which are vital to global trade.

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Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, IAPH set up a COVID-19 Taskforce. Additional port experts have now joined, establishing IAPH’s Risk and Resilience Technical Committee. The publication is focussed on organisational resilience models for Port Authorities, by analysing risks, understanding spheres of control and influence and developing before/during/after plans. The portal has been designed as a pragmatic, practical tool that can be applied by a port irrespective of size, technical characteristics or governance model.
The guidelines are focussed on organisational resilience models for Port Authorities, based on analysing the risks they face, understanding their spheres of control and influence (and thus stakeholders they need to engage with), and developing a ‘before/during/after’ plan.

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The objective of this research is to move from the aspirational concept of resilience to a standardized framework for creation of resilience in ports and transportation systems by integrating physical infrastructure and social systems. It takes a fully functioning maritime and shore-side distribution system for successful supply chain operations. A combination of stakeholder interviews and workshops provided insights into the resilience processes. One of the challenges to adopting more stringent design standards was the uncertainty surrounding future conditions. Another recommendation of the study involves the suggestion for port regions to organize along the entire supply chain including transport and distribution activities beyond local marine terminals. A suggested organizational scheme is proposed with coordinating bodies at the regional and state level that would interact with local port waterside and landside logistics teams prior to, during, and after a supply chain disruption.

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Coastal areas are especially vulnerable to hazards, now and in the future, posed by waves and surges associated with sea level change and coastal storms. Coastal risk reduction can be achieved through a variety of approaches, including natural or nature-based features (e.g., wetlands and dunes), nonstructural interventions (e.g., policies, building codes and emergency response such as early warning and evacuation plans), and structural interventions (e.g., seawalls and breakwaters). This paper discusses USACE’s capabilities to help reduce coastal risks from and improve resilience to these hazards through an integrated approach that draws from the full array of coastal risk reduction measures.

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The report by PIANC’s Task Group 234 addresses the need for infrastructure to support zero-emission vessels in inland waterway transport (IWT). It compiles insights on decarbonization developments and energy carriers, offering key questions and a method for addressing infrastructure challenges. The report recommends PIANC to establish a working group focused on pathways and decision-making for decarbonizing IWT rather than just hardware specifications. The document, submitted for PIANC’s consideration, provides seven case studies demonstrating sustainable practices, including the Panama Canal’s success and lessons learned from the unsustainable Mississippi River Gulf Outlet in the USA.

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This report updates the 2008 EnviCom Task Group 3 on Climate Change and Navigation by incorporating knowledge from various IPCC reports. It highlights key findings, including rising air and water temperatures leading to increased sea levels, more intense extreme weather events, and ongoing impacts even if greenhouse gas emissions cease. The report delves into how these changes affect maritime and inland navigation, encompassing factors like wind conditions, waves, storm patterns, hydrodynamics, and water quality. It also discusses navigation’s role in greenhouse gas emissions and its potential to aid in emission reduction efforts. Adaptation measures and resilience strengthening are emphasized.

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The Integrating Maritime and Coastal Resilience report offers a summary of key findings, research questions raised, and shared knowledge resulting from the Maritime Risk Symposium. The overarching summary of the event is that maritime and coastal sectors require interdependency for resilience to be achieved. To maintain this approach to resilience the findings suggest developing resilience from a regional scale using interdisciplinary teams that use quantitative and qualitative methods for resilient solutions.

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Port cities, facing climate change’s severe impacts, serve as testing grounds for innovative solutions in energy, industry, mobility, and culture. The AIVP Agenda 2030 outlines 10 key goals and 46 actionable measures for sustainable port cities. These goals align with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing a holistic approach to sustainable development. AIVP aims to inspire port and city stakeholders to implement the Agenda 2030, optimizing investments and resources for a resilient, environmentally-friendly, and economically vibrant future.

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The Next Wave Green Corridors is a forward-thinking initiative that aims to transform the maritime industry’s environmental impact. The project advocates for the creation of sustainable shipping corridors to promote cleaner and more efficient maritime transportation. By integrating green technologies, alternative fuels, and digital solutions, it seeks to reduce emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and protect marine ecosystems. The initiative fosters collaboration among stakeholders, including governments, industry players, and environmental organizations, to drive systemic change in the maritime sector and pave the way for a more environmentally friendly and economically viable future for global shipping.

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The Coastal Flood Resilience Design Guidelines provide comprehensive recommendations for creating resilient coastal infrastructure. The guidelines emphasize incorporating adaptable designs, natural features, and sustainable practices to mitigate the impacts of flooding events. Key elements include elevating structures above flood levels, using resilient materials, and implementing nature-based solutions like wetlands and dunes. Collaboration with local communities, data-driven risk assessments, and long-term planning are central to these guidelines, ensuring coastal areas can withstand and recover from flooding while safeguarding human safety, preserving ecosystems, and supporting sustainable development.

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The UKCP18 Marine report presents the latest climate projections for the marine environment in the United Kingdom. It includes comprehensive data on sea surface temperature, sea level rise, ocean circulation patterns, and marine ecosystems. The report assesses the potential impacts of climate change on marine industries, coastal areas, and biodiversity. It highlights the risks to coastal infrastructure, fisheries, and aquaculture. Adaptation strategies for the marine sector are emphasized, aiming to enhance resilience to changing conditions. The UKCP18 Marine report serves as a valuable tool for policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders to make informed decisions and develop effective measures to address climate challenges in the marine environment.

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PIANC’s “Climate Change and Navigation” offers a comprehensive review of climate change drivers, impacts, responses, and mitigation in waterborne transport, ports, and waterways. It examines how rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and changing hydrology affect navigation infrastructure. The report emphasizes the urgency of integrating climate resilience into planning, design, and operations. It explores adaptive strategies, such as risk assessments, contingency planning, and data-driven decision-making, to manage climate-induced challenges. Mitigation measures, including green technologies and sustainable practices, are also discussed to reduce the carbon footprint of waterborne transport. The report provides crucial guidance for building climate resilience and sustainability in the maritime sector.

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Climate Change and Ports examines climate change effects on ports, including rising sea levels, storms, and erosion. Disruptions to port operations, infrastructure damage, and increased costs are highlighted. Adaptation strategies focus on resilient infrastructure, flood defences, and sustainable port design. Collaboration among stakeholders is emphasized, along with risk assessments and long-term planning to address vulnerabilities. Green infrastructure integration offers added protection. Overall, the study aims to provide insights and recommended strategies to ensure ports’ functionality and resilience amid changing climate conditions.

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Through this program, Resilience Rising aim to mobilize a critical mass to create the scale and momentum necessary to break through the industry’s barriers to resilience. The program will improve the resilience practice across the ports value chain by bringing together stakeholders and a community of practitioners around a common framework to raise awareness and strengthen relationships, create a shared understanding of the needs and challenges, and clarify and connect decision-making and investment that can be taken to scale.

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The Resilience Shift Primer: Ports provides guidance on building resilience in port infrastructure. It highlights the increasing risks ports face from climate change and other hazards. The primer emphasizes the importance of understanding and managing risks through comprehensive assessments, collaboration with stakeholders, and implementing adaptive strategies. Key elements include flexibility in design, integration of risk management in decision-making, and fostering a culture of resilience. It outlines practical steps to enhance resilience, including contingency planning, data-driven decision-making, and continuous learning. By adopting these principles, ports can improve their ability to withstand disruptions and ensure sustained operations in a changing and uncertain environment.

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ESPO’s Climate Change Adaptation Position Paper highlights the urgency of climate change adaptation for European ports. It emphasizes the serious threat climate change poses to port infrastructure, including rising sea levels and extreme weather events. The paper calls for mainstreaming climate change adaptation into EU legislation and financial instruments. Strengthened funding options are urged to cover the increased financial burden of adapting port infrastructure. The importance of reliable data-driven climate proofing guidance and the recognition of ports as critical infrastructure are emphasized. ESPO urges immediate action to integrate climate adaptation strategies into port planning and decision-making to ensure their resilience and sustainability in the face of climate challenges.

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“Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation for Coastal Transport Infrastructure: A Compilation of Policies and Practices” provides a comprehensive overview of the effects of climate change on coastal transport infrastructure and offers various policies and practices to address these challenges. The document emphasizes the vulnerability of ports and coastal transport systems to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and flooding. It compiles a range of adaptation strategies, risk assessments, and technical solutions to enhance the climate resilience of coastal infrastructure. The aim is to guide policymakers, stakeholders, and industry professionals in developing effective climate change adaptation measures for sustainable and resilient coastal transportation systems.

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PIANC’s “Resilience of the Maritime and Inland Waterborne Transport System” provides a comprehensive overview of enhancing resilience in the transport sector. The document highlights the importance of mitigating risks and building adaptive capacity to withstand disruptions caused by natural disasters, climate change, and other shocks. It explores various resilience strategies, including infrastructure planning, risk assessment, emergency response measures, and adaptive governance. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and incorporating resilience principles into decision-making, the guidance aims to create a robust and adaptable maritime and inland waterborne transport system that can effectively cope with challenges and ensure continued operation and sustainability in the face of uncertainties.

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PIANC’s Climate Change Adaptation Planning for Ports and Inland Waterways provides guidance on addressing climate change impacts on port and inland waterway infrastructure. The document outlines key vulnerabilities, such as sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and changing hydrology, and offers comprehensive strategies to enhance climate resilience. It emphasizes the importance of risk assessments, adaptive management, and integrating climate considerations into planning and design processes. By incorporating sustainable and flexible solutions, the guidance aims to assist port authorities and waterway managers in effectively adapting to climate change, ensuring long-term viability and minimizing disruptions to global trade and transportation.

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