Climate change impacts on UK port and navigation infrastructure

Abstract

Climate change will affect both existing port and inland waterway infrastructure and proposed new developments. Those responsible for existing assets must decide whether (and when) to modify, retrofit or replace, or whether fundamental changes in operation or maintenance practices are required. Ports, harbours, and inland waterways relying on older infrastructure – particularly smaller, less well-resourced organisations – will likely face the greatest challenges. The design of new port, harbour, marina or inland navigation infrastructure will need to take into account the projected changes in relevant climate parameters. However, there may also be implications for the environmental impacts of proposed developments as climate change affects already-sensitive or vulnerable environmental resources. For waterborne fishing and recreational activities, climate change will bring both challenges and opportunities. Warmer air temperatures may increase demand for recreational boating facilities. Warmer water temper...