Seaports

Abstract

AbstractSeaports are part of the global transportation system that moves goods and people around the world. A port is the node that connects the maritime link in the global logistic chain to inland transportation systems. Ports can be described by the types of cargo handled and governance structure. Port development is driven by technological changes in maritime transportation, including the ever-increasing size of oceangoing vessels and the impact of those changes on the physical infrastructure at seaports. Responding to those development pressures, ports have undertaken activities to improve water quality and protect the natural resources within their jurisdictions. More recently, the focus of port environmental strategies centers on reducing emissions of primary pollutants and addressing the long-term impacts of global climate change. Advanced technology is being used to monitor the performance of our marine transportation system (MTS) to make better decisions about investment and operations and the variety of mechanisms that are available for funding port improvements. Four key factors will shape the progress of our seaports and their role in the marine transportation system in the future: cleaner technologies, resilience to disruption, energy supply, and information flow.KeywordsSeaportsMarine transportation system (MTS)Port performanceWater resource infrastructureGreen portsClimate changeWomen in maritimeSeaport future trends