Description
General Information
Title: Towards the Resilience of the Mediterranean Ports
Location: Piraeus, Greece, Limassol, Cyprus & Valencia, Spain
Core themes: Extreme weather events, Heatwaves, Energy & Pollution
Sectors involved: Energy, Ecosystems, Pollution, Port and maritime infrastructure and operations, Water waste, Port staff, access and roads
Key stakeholders: PPA (Piraeus Port Authority), FV (Fundación Valenciaport), CUT (Cyprus University of Technology), Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB)
Context and Challenges
Background: The Port of Piraeus is one of Europe's leading seaports and the world's second-largest maritime cluster, excelling in coastal shipping, cruise operations, and containerized cargo. Actively engaged in 14 EU-funded projects, the port is committed to becoming a sustainable, “green,” and financially self-sufficient hub.
The Port of Valencia stands as Spain’s foremost Mediterranean port for commercial traffic, serving as a key maritime gateway for trade across the Iberian Peninsula. Its strategic location and infrastructure make it a vital link for regional and international commerce.
The Port of Limassol is Cyprus’s primary seaport, handling 90% of the nation’s imports and exports. It also plays a crucial role in passenger traffic, facilitating cruise operations and ferry connections with Greece, Israel, Egypt, and Lebanon, reinforcing its status as a dynamic regional hub.
Key challenges: The key challenges identified in port operations include rising fuel prices, high energy costs, and issues related to energy supply and infrastructure. A lack of expertise in sustainable energy solutions further complicates efforts to transition towards greener operations. Environmental concerns such as pollution, disruptions to the energy ecosystem, and the impact of extreme weather conditions also pose significant risks. Heatwaves, in particular, affect port operations, directly impacting terminal users and passengers. Additionally, climate change has far-reaching consequences on port infrastructure, staff, and overall operational efficiency, raising concerns about long-term resilience and sustainability. Climate-induced damage to infrastructure such Rising sea levels, heavy rainfall, and storm surges weaken quay structures, damage warehouses, and increase maintenance costs.
Why was this Case study selected for ARSINOE:
This research was chosen because of its strategic significance in building the resilience of Mediterranean ports, key nodes of trade, logistics, and economic growth, toward growing risks of climate change.
The Mediterranean is acutely exposed to extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and heatwaves that represent substantial threats to port infrastructure, operations, and supply chains. Piraeus (Greece), Valencia (Spain), and Limassol (Cyprus) are among the most important nodes of international shipping, and their resilience to climate-related disruption is critical for regional economic stability and sustainable development.
This study was chosen to strengthen climate adaptation and resilience through the following actions: - Involving stakeholders through collaborative engagement to assess vulnerabilities, engage with key stakeholders of the industry, and co-design solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Mediterranean ports. - Using systemic innovation approach (SIA) methods to co-develop comprehensive adaptation strategies covering technological, environmental, governance, and financial dimensions. - Applying a data-driven approach comprising vulnerability analysis, climate modeling, and predictive analytics to detect risks, design mitigation options, and enhance preparedness. - Increasing operational effectiveness and infrastructure resilience to respond to port closure due to extreme events, supply chain disruptions caused by disrupted energy supply, structural damage by making the physical port assets resilient, and ensuring employee well-being during extreme heatwaves. - Promoting transboundary collaboration, as climate adaptation of ports requires joint planning by neighboring countries to facilitate the continuous function of maritime trade and supply chains.
Objectives
Main goals: The project aimed to significantly reduce health risks associated with extreme weather events such as high summer temperatures, storm waves, and flooding by developing tailored adaptation pathways for seaports. Additionally, it sought to enhance the well-being of adjacent communities while fostering a shift in mindsets among stakeholders and the wider port society. The initiative aspired to replace the perception of ports facing challenges in isolation with a collaborative approach, emphasizing that effective solutions could only emerge through creative synergies.
Expected outcomes and benefits: Upon completion, the project was expected to enhance the resilience of seaports by mitigating climate-related risks and ensuring smoother operations. Improved adaptation strategies lead to safer and more efficient port infrastructure, reducing disruptions caused by extreme weather. A notable change in stakeholder behaviour was also expected to be observed, fostering greater cooperation and proactive engagement in sustainability efforts. Additionally, increased public awareness encourages broader community involvement in climate resilience initiatives, strengthening the long-term sustainability and adaptability of ports in the face of environmental challenges.
Methodology & Approach
Innovative solutions developed, tested and implemented:
Systems Innovation Approach (SIA) ARSINOE uses a tripartite strategy:
- Integration of the technological, business, governance, and environmental dimensions into social innovation.
- Utilizing the Climate Innovation Window (CIW) to link end-users with innovative solutions.
- Encouraging cross-fertilization and scalability, fostering replication across regions
Innovative approaches were conceived, tested, and implemented.
Climate vulnerability assessments are made to identify major risks around port operations and infrastructure. Monitoring systems to track extreme weather effects and implement early warning mechanisms.
Stakeholder engagement and participatory processes - Living Labs (LLs) within Piraeus, Valencia, and Limassol were platforms used for policy dialogue between policymakers, port authorities, and citizens.
Collaborative workshops to co-create adaptation pathways for climate resilience.
OTI solution selected and used: For Limassol Port
To enhance climate resilience at Limassol Port, an Early Warning System (EWS) was deployed, integrating real-time sensors to monitor temperature, humidity, wind intensity, fog, and air quality. Utilizing advanced analytics and machine learning, the system enables continuous environmental monitoring and risk mitigation.
The Marina-Breath™ system by EMBIO Diagnostics was selected for its innovative approach to sensor integration. Installed at ten locations across DP World and Eurogate,. The Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) oversees the project to maintain compliance and long-term effectiveness.
Key Results & Achievements
Summary of main outcomes:
The ARSINOE project successfully mainstreamed climate adaptation measures into Mediterranean port infrastructure design, thus making the ports resilient against intense meteorological events such as heatwaves, flooding, and storm surges.
Deployment of innovative early warning systems, in Limassol, ETC provided real-time environmental monitoring, improving data-driven decision-making for port authorities and stakeholders.
Increased cooperation between crucial stakeholders including port authorities, universities, and the private sector supports the integrative approach towards adapting to climate change.
Increased sensitivity among port workers and surrounding communities regarding climate-related risks and the need for incorporating adaptive measures into port operations is critical.
The combination of predictive climate modeling with vulnerability assessments enabled the creation of overall long-term port resilience strategies incorporating infrastructure-related concerns, supply chain logistics issues, and energy usage.
Impact on local communities and ecosystems:
Implementation of climate resilience measures has served to minimize the risks associated with the health of port workers, residents, and visitors alike under circumstances involving excessive heat.
Increased air quality monitoring and pollution reduction initiatives benefit the surrounding communities, thus leading to better public health outcomes.
Increased protection of ocean ecosystems can be ensured by curbing emissions and improving waste handling procedures in ports.
Lessons learned:
Active stakeholder engagement involving port authorities, government departments and local communities played a crucial role within the collaborative formulation and implementation of adaptation strategies.
Policy and regulation-related challenges are administrative and legal restrictions including preliminary authorization schemes and old-fashioned regulations that have hindered the implementation of some adaptation measures.
The need for continuous training and exchange programs for port operators and personnel was highlighted to ensure effective sustainable adaptation measures.
Financial constraints remain a major barrier toward the implementation of wide-ranging resilience strategies with the need for specialized funding mechanisms and incentives for the support of sustainable port operations.
Replicability & Scalability
Potential for replication in other regions:
ARSINOE provides a dynamic and adaptive approach towards improving the climate resilience of port infrastructure with the capability for applicability across different coastal and marine areas. Through the combination with Systemic Innovation Approaches (SIA) and Climate Innovation Window (CIW) approaches, the program has demonstrated:
The measures developed for Mediterranean ports are relevant to other coastal regions faced with climate-driven hazards, including areas bordering the North Sea, the Baltic Sea, and Atlantic shores.
The approach fosters collaboration between port authorities, governments, researchers, and private sector players, ensuring solutions are relevant and widely accepted.
Key success factors and barriers to consider:
Key success factors:
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Public engagement
Barriers:
- Financial constraints
- Regulatory challenges
- Data integration and compatibility
- Technical gaps
- Resistance to change
Next Steps & Sustainability
How results will be maintained beyond ARSINOE:
Continuous monitoring of climate-related risks and the incorporation of findings into future port policy.
Capacity-building programs for port staff and local businesses to support sustainability initiatives.
Strengthening EU-wide collaborations for knowledge-sharing on climate adaptation strategy.
Future collaborations or follow-up initiatives:
A review of ancillary financial opportunities under Horizon Europe and other EU funded schemes.
Strengthening public-private partnerships for innovation in port sustainability.
Develop climate-resilient strategies consistent with national and local climate action plans.
We are open to the current transition and new calls for proposals- Upcoming projects focused on climate resilience, green energy, and smart port operations are advisable to be supported continuously with finances and also collaborative work.
Contact & Further Information
Key contacts: Conrad Landis, Athens University of Economics and Business
Case study co - leads: For Limassol Port - Olympia Nisiforou Cyprus University of technology
Website: https://arsinoe-project.eu/
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