Vulnerabilities and adaptation of ports to climate change

Abstract

Climate change is anticipated to have a significant impact on coastal infrastructure, including navigational aids and ports. This paper presents the results of a vulnerability assessment of ports in Australia to climate change. Results reveal variable vulnerability in ports in the short and long term in relation to their exposure to climate change. However, this is offset by inherent adaptive capacity both in current climate change initiatives driven by ports, and in the selfconfidence of the industry to be able to adapt. We conclude with a reflection on the implications of these results for future ports analyses.

Climate Change and Adaptation Planning for Ports

“…Within the sea approach to the port, the most observed impacts of rising sea levels are coastal erosion at or adjacent to the port and deposition and sedimentation along the port channels Nursey-Bray et al, 2013). Similarly, intense rainfalls causing fl oods are also affecting port channels and shipping berths, for example, the Queensland fl oods in 2011 deposited an extra 1.2 million m 3 of sediment and material into the Port of Brisbane's channel and shipping berths reducing the channel depths by up to one metre (Chhetri et al, 2012).…”

“…Similarly, intense rainfalls causing fl oods are also affecting port channels and shipping berths, for example, the Queensland fl oods in 2011 deposited an extra 1.2 million m 3 of sediment and material into the Port of Brisbane's channel and shipping berths reducing the channel depths by up to one metre (Chhetri et al, 2012). The sea approach has also been affected by increasing storm intensity and high winds that create risks of vessels being taken off course in the channel (Nursey-Bray et al, 2013) and thus the need for additional tug boats. Evidence is indicating that diffi culties at the berths from storm surge are resulting in operational downtime or port closure .…”

“…The changes include incorporating anti-corrosive paints into ongoing maintenance, and using concrete on the wharf and additives to help withstand salt-water inundation Nursey-Bray et al, 2013). The changes include incorporating anti-corrosive paints into ongoing maintenance, and using concrete on the wharf and additives to help withstand salt-water inundation Nursey-Bray et al, 2013).…”

“…Even in the south of Australia, there is a 'specifi cation for a new berth at a regional port in Victoria, being built for a wood-chip carrier, which has taken into account more periods of windy days, increased wind strength and higher bollard pull' (Nursey-Bray et al, 2013, p. 1035. Ports in New South Wales and Queensland for example, have developed or are developing partnerships with local weather stations to receive forward warning of approaching winds .…”

Impact of climate changes on the Santos Harbor, São Paulo State (Brazil)

“…In fact the climate changes generate storm surges, inundations and coastal flooding as well as the increasing of coastal hardening, coastal runoff and siltation requiring more frequent dredging on the harbors that it generates the increased greenhouse gas emissions (Nursey-Bray et al 2012). …”