Seaport resilience to climate change: mapping vulnerability to sea-level rise

This paper examines the likely impact of extreme weather events and rising sea levels on key port logistics operations and infrastructure. It develops a 3D model to assess the vulnerability of seaports vis-a-vis operational assets to sea-level rise. Key operational assets were first identified and geo-referenced on a high-resolution digital terrain model. In addition, perceptions of threat of extreme weather events on port operations were also evaluated. The spatial model provides an innovative, flexible and visual representation of sea-level rise under different climate scenarios with the capability of mapping vulnerability of port assets relative to their location. The visual outputs provide the capacity to develop evidence-based adaptation strategies to adjust or retreat to respond to the risk of sea-level rise and related flooding. It is recommended that new infrastructure development should revisit design standards, specifications and procurement of assets that are more resilient and climate proof.