BALANCING THE ECONOMY AND ECOLOGY
In recent years, there has been a rise in interest in ‘green ports’ as a way of achieving sustainable
economic growth. During design and construction, economic growth, climate change and
the ecosystem are taken into account. The port is designed in close consultation with local
stakeholders so that it becomes an attractive place to live and work.
The impact of human intervention on the natural system is worked out beforehand and
established using simulations, resulting in a clear picture of the effects on the ecosystem. The port
infrastructure can manage rapid growth in container transport and ever larger ships.
Coastal defences are built to withstand climate change, with nature-based engineering such as
sandy foreshores and mangroves playing a prominent role. Features like this can also be used
for recreation, aquaculture, fishing and nature development. There is a better balance between
economy and ecology. For more information:
© DELTARES/DESIGN: FRÉDÉRIK RUYS
GREEN
PORT
Cleaner ships
Port authorities use the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) to
determine the contamination levels of individual vessels.
Harbour fees are set accordingly, encouraging the use of
clean engines and diesel.
Room for aquaculture
The area is structured so that there is room to
use the ecosystem for things like aquaculture.
Appealing residential areas
Residential areas are spacious and make the most of
the appealing waterside location. The residential and
work facilities for the local people are adequate and
the infrastructure is up to standard.
Sustainable living
environment
Green infrastructure and optimal water
management create a sustainable living
environment that has beneficial knock-on
effects on public health and the environment.
Adaptability to
climate change
Coastal defences use natural barriers such as
sand, salt marshes or mangroves. They help to
dampen waves and capture silt, and they also
provide a natural habitat.
Less dredging
The port design is based on current, wave and
wind models, reducing sedimentation and
the need for dredging. That is good for the
environment and it cuts costs.
Room for recreation
Foreshores can be used as
recreational areas.
Renewable energy
There is room for wind turbines that
can generate renewable energy for local
inhabitants and companies.
Open harbour
An offshore port island, where large
sea-going vessels can moor so that the
goods flows can be handled efficiently.
Monitoring biodiversity
The impact of the port on biodiversity is modelled
beforehand and calculations are made to
ensure that a healthy ecosystem is established.
The system is monitored continuously after
construction has been completed.
Better link with the hinterland
There is enough infrastructure to cope with increases in
freight and passenger transport.
