Climate Test Shields Ports Against Climate Change
Climate change also impacts port infrastructure. Sweco experts from Belgium and the Netherlands, in collaboration with North Sea Port, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, and the Agency for Mobility and Public Works, have developed a practical method to map these impacts: the climate stress test.
© North Sea Port
Under the North Sea Port framework agreement for environmental, spatial development, and safety consultancy, Sweco was asked to establish a methodology to assess climate impact in collaboration with the involved port companies, governments (including Rijkswaterstaat, Province of Zeeland, City of Ghent, and the municipalities of Evergem, Zelzate, Terneuzen, Borssele, and Vlissingen), and knowledge institutions (University of Antwerp and VITO).
Leander Stalmans, Project Leader Energy & Environment at Sweco, stated: “The changing climate brings increasing extremes, which can have negative consequences for infrastructure in port areas. The climate stress test investigates how vulnerable port areas and their infrastructure are to the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels, heavy rainfall, heatwaves, or drought.”
Understanding Climate Risks in 5 Steps
With the climate stress test, companies and governments can gain clear insights into the risks of climate change for their infrastructure and spatial development in five steps. Consider areas that are underwater, roads and railways becoming inaccessible during extreme weather, or disruptions to data and telecommunications. Additionally, there are risks of cooling systems failing due to extreme heat and dangerous storage sites flooding. By identifying potential climate impacts, targeted measures can be taken in new construction and renovation projects, both at the area and site level.
Making Ports in Belgium and the Netherlands Climate-Resilient
This method is applicable in both Dutch and Belgian port areas. It was initially tested in three locations: the Sloe area-North in Vlissingen in the Zeeland part of North Sea Port, at ArcelorMittal in the Ghent area, and on Oosterweeleiland in Antwerp.
With the climate stress test, port companies now have a powerful tool to identify their vulnerable infrastructure and subsequently adapt it to changing climate conditions. Engaging in dialogue with numerous stakeholders will be central to this process. After all, climate change is a collective concern. This process leads to greater awareness, understanding, and the ability to identify climate risks and take proactive measures. This contributes to the future viability of the ports and their crucial infrastructure.
From Risk Matrix to Climate Adaptation
During the risk analysis, we engaged with stakeholders and populated the risk matrix with practical experiences from various test areas. This matrix formed the basis for a series of generic, high-level measures that constitute the backbone of the port’s climate adaptation program. With each dialogue and test, we refined our methodology, moving towards concrete, resilient solutions for the ports of tomorrow.
Stakeholder Management
Involving a wide range of stakeholders, such as port authorities, local governments, businesses, and environmental organizations, was crucial. Their insights and expertise were essential for creating a realistic and effective methodology. Through interactive sessions, we collaborated on the methodology that helps shape adaptive and future-proof port infrastructure. This co-creative process fostered engagement, support, and ultimately a robust climate stress test tailored to the unique needs of each stakeholder.
