Freight News, Inland waterways, Sea
Report highlights risks and opportunities of climate change for ports
[ September 23, 2025 // Chris Lewis ]Nearly 90% of the world’s 3,700 major ports are already exposed to climate risks from rising sea levels, hurricanes, flooding and extreme heat, says a report by insuer TT Club and engineering consultancy Haskoning.
The Climate-Ready Supply Chain: Urgent Guidance for Ports, Waterways and Logistics Operations sets out measures to build resilience .
It sets out immediate measures and long-term solutions to safeguard infrastructure, maintain operational continuity and ensure economic stability in the face of climate change.
The report draws on case studies, including the shutdown of Gulf Coast ports during Hurricane Katrina, and the damages from Japan’s 2011 tsunami as evidence of the economic and social impacts when resilience measures are inadequate.
Data shows that extreme climate events are inevitable, and urgent action is therefore essential. Delays risk compounding damage and escalating costs while proactive planning not only could prevent losses but also secure long-term competitiveness and operational continuity.
However, by using real-time climate data, IoT-enabled monitoring and AI-powered predictive analytics, ports can improve asset performance, reduce downtime and strengthen emergency preparedness.
Investments in sustainable infrastructure such as renewable or natural barriers such as mangroves can protect assets while improving efficiency and supporting decarbonisation goals. Examples include the Port of Long Beach’s Coastal Resiliency Plan and the Port of Brisbane’s advanced weather monitoring upgrades, where forward-thinking investment is already paying dividends.
Tags: TT Club; Haskoning