Researchers Nadia Pourmohammad-Zia and Mark van Koningsveld from the Delft University of Technology have conducted a comprehensive review of climate resilience in ports and waterborne transport systems. Their work, published in the journal Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives, sheds light on the current state of climate-resilient infrastructure and operations, while also highlighting the transformative potential of emerging technologies.
The researchers emphasize that climate change poses significant challenges to waterborne transport systems, necessitating a thorough examination of their resilience. Their study reveals that existing research predominantly focuses on port infrastructure, often overlooking the interconnected vulnerabilities of maritime networks. This narrow focus can lead to gaps in resilience planning, particularly when dealing with specific climate-induced disruptions such as droughts and compounded events.
Pourmohammad-Zia and van Koningsveld note that current methodologies in the field are heavily reliant on risk assessments and case studies. While these approaches provide valuable insights, they argue that advanced technologies such as digital twins, artificial intelligence, and satellite monitoring are underutilized. These technologies offer the potential for more dynamic and predictive risk management, which is crucial for enhancing the resilience of waterborne transport systems.
The researchers also highlight geographic disparities in research output, with certain regions receiving more attention than others. This imbalance can lead to a lack of comprehensive, global strategies for climate resilience. Additionally, they point out that much of the current research tends to focus on short- to medium-term planning, which may not be sufficient to address the long-term impacts of climate change.
To bridge these gaps, Pourmohammad-Zia and van Koningsveld advocate for systems-based approaches that integrate infrastructure, operations, and supply chains. They suggest that collaborative frameworks and advanced tools, including digital twins, machine learning, and participatory modeling, are essential for enabling predictive and adaptive risk management. These tools can help stakeholders anticipate and respond to climate-induced disruptions more effectively.
The study stands as one of the first comprehensive reviews exclusively focused on climate resilience in ports and waterborne transport systems. It provides actionable insights for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders, proposing a future research agenda to advance waterborne transport systems capable of withstanding multifaceted climate impacts. By addressing the identified gaps and leveraging emerging technologies, the maritime sector can enhance its resilience and ensure the sustainability of global supply chains in the face of climate change. Read the original research paper here.