Port Construction Research Articles

A systematic study of interactions between sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Hainan Island

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development issued by the United Nations is an important foundation for countries to achieve common economic, social and environmental development. Important progress has been made in the evaluation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Hainan Island; nevertheless, there is still a lack of understanding around the trade-offs and synergies between the SDGs. Studying the trade-offs and synergies between Hainan Island’s sustainable development goals is of great significance for the coordinated development of these goals and the promotion of the construction of free trade ports. Therefore, based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Assessment System and the existing SDG indicator system on Hainan Island, this paper identifies and quantifies the trade-offs and synergies within and between SDGs and targets on the county scale. Based on the different impacts of different spatial, dimensional and geographical directions, the results show the following: (1) Hainan Province made good progress on multiple SDGs between 2010 and 2021. (2) The most significant synergies between SDGs exist between SDG1 (No Poverty) and SDG10 (Reduce Inequalities), while the most significant trade-offs exist between SDG2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG4 (Quality Education). (3) Obvious spatial characteristics in trade-offs and synergies exist, with the highest level of synergy being in the Haikou and Sanya Economic Circles and their surrounding areas, and in the central region of Hainan Island which has a higher level of trade-offs. (4) The synergistic effect between the SDG targets and indicators in Hainan is much greater than the trade-off effect: the four aspects of people’s livelihood improvement, economic development, resource utilization and environmental quality all show synergistic effects in different regions.

Land Reclamation Controls on Multi‐Centennial Estuarine Evolution

AbstractLand reclamations influence the morphodynamic evolution of estuaries and tidal basins, because an altered planform changes tidal dynamics and associated residual sediment transport. The morphodynamic response time to land reclamation is long, impacting the system for decades to centuries. Other human interventions (e.g., deepening of fairways or port construction) will add more morphodynamic adaptation timescales. Our understanding of the cumulative effects of anthropogenic interference with estuaries is limited because observations usually do not cover the complete morphological adaptation period. We aim to assess the impact of land reclamation works and other human interventions on an estuarine system by means of digital reconstructions of historical morphologies of the Ems Estuary over the past 500 years. Our analysis demonstrates that the intertidal‐subtidal area ratio altered due to land reclamation works and that the ratio partly restored after land reclamation ended. The land reclamation works have led to the degeneration of an ebb and flood channel system, transitioning the estuary from a multichannel to a single channel system. We infer that the 20th‐century intensification of channel dredging and re‐alignment works accelerated rather than caused this development. The centennial‐scale observations show that the Ems estuary evolution corresponds to a land reclamation response following tidal asymmetry‐based stability theory as it moves toward a new equilibrium configuration with modified tidal flats and channels. Considering the long history of land reclamation in the Ems Estuary, it provides an analogy for expected developments in comparable tidal systems where land reclamations were recently carried out.

Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties and Stability of Marine Dredged Mud with Improvement by Waste Steel Slag

As marine-dredged mud and waste steel slag in coastal port cities continue to soar, the traditional treatment method of land stockpiling has caused ecological problems. Thus, it is necessary to find a large-scale resource-comprehensive utilization method for dredged mud and waste steel slag. This study uses waste steel slag and composite solidifying agents (cement, lime, fly ash) to physically and chemically improve marine-dredged mud. The physical improvement effect of the particle size and dosage of waste steel slag was studied by the shear strength test under the effect of freeze–thaw cycle. Then, based on the Box–Behnken design of the response surface method, the interaction effects of the solidifying agent components on the unconfined compressive strength were studied. Then, the water stability under dry–wet cycles and a microscopic mechanism were analyzed by XRD and SEM tests. The results show that the waste steel slag with a dosage of 30% and a particle size of 1.18~2.36 mm has the best improvement. The interaction between cement and lime and lime and fly ash has a significant effect on the linear effect and surface effect of 7d unconfined compressive strength, and the strength increases first and then decreases with the increase in its dosage. For the 14d unconfined compressive strength, only the interaction between cement and lime is still significant. The unconfined compressive strength prediction model is established to optimize the mix ratio of the composite solidifying agent. In the water stability, the water stability coefficients of the 7d and 14d tests are 0.68 and 0.95, respectively, and the volume and mass loss rates are all below 1.5%, showing a good performance in dry–wet resistance and durability. Microscopic mechanism analysis shows that waste steel slag provides an ‘anchoring surface’ as a skeleton, which improves the pore structure of dredged mud, and the hydration products generated by the solidifying agent play a role in filling and cementation. The results of the study can provide an experimental and technical basis for the resource engineering of marine-dredged mud and waste steel slag, helping the construction of green low-carbon and resource-saving ports.

The effects of changes in the coastline and water depth on tidal prism and water exchange of the Laizhou Bay, China

Laizhou Bay’s coastline has undergone multiple alterations due to human activities such as land reclamation and port construction. These changes in the coastline have led to modifications in the bay’s hydrodynamic conditions, which, in turn, can impact the marine environment and potentially result in a decline in biodiversity. To date, there has been no comprehensive study focusing on the coastline changes and hydrodynamic variations in Laizhou Bay. Therefore, this study utilizes coastline and water depth data from four time points—1990, 2003, 2013, and 2023—to establish a two-dimensional tidal current model of Laizhou Bay using Delft3D. Based on the good agreement between the simulated tidal current results and the observed data, this study further investigates the changes in tidal prism and water exchange in Laizhou Bay. The results indicate that tidal currents dominate the bay, with significant influences of topographic changes on the velocity and direction of tidal flows. The Eulerian residual current velocity is substantially lower than the tidal current velocity. Both tidal and residual currents play a role in controlling the distribution of materials within Laizhou Bay. Over the past three decades (1990-2023), the tidal prism in Laizhou Bay has shown a downward trend, with the tidal prism during spring, intermediate, and neap tides in 2023 reduced by 2.03%, 6.36%, and 10.19%, respectively, compared to 1990. The water exchange capacity has also weakened, with the half-exchange time being 71 days in 1990, increasing to 73 days in 2003 and 81 days in 2013, and showing a slight increase of 1 day in 2023 compared to 2013. Thus, changes in the coastline and water depth of Laizhou Bay can alter its hydrodynamic conditions, significantly impacting the tidal prism and water exchange, leading to a decrease in tidal prism and exchange rate, an increase in the water exchange period, a slower dispersion rate of pollutants, and a reduced water environmental carrying capacity. This research provides a scientific reference for protecting the marine environment and coastal management in Laizhou Bay.

Domesticating logistical futures: A grounded account of failure

The infrastructures of global logistics are hailed as developmental solutions for countries previously peripheral to global trade routes. Building on ethnographic fieldwork performed in the village of Anaklia, West Georgia, this article proposes a grounded analysis of this developmental promise. It does so by focusing on the attempted construction and failure of a deep-sea port that was set to turn the village into a logistics hub part of the Belt and Road Initiative. In dialogue with ethnographic accounts of infrastructural failure and feminist approaches to the study of global circulation, this article outlines the villager’s efforts to “domesticate” the promise of prosperity attached to the port, mapping how the intimate spaces of the village have been transformed by the mercurial promise attached to Anaklia Port. In the aftermath of the project’s failure, this article shows the mark that the projected logistical future has left on the village’s economy and life. In doing so, it sheds light on the variegated impacts that logistical projects leave behind, even when they remain unfinished.

Study on the High-quality Development of Water Sports Tourism in Hainan

With the deepening of establishing a national sports tourism demonstration area, water sports tourism, as an important part of Hainan tourism, is facing unprecedented opportunities for development. This paper aims to analyze the resource advantages, development status and existing problems of Hainan water sports tourism, and put forward the strategies and suggestions for high-quality development. Through literature review, field research and case analysis, this paper discusses the high-quality development path of water sports tourism in Hainan, in order to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the construction of Hainan free trade port and international tourism consumption center.

Sustainable Maritime Transport: A Review of Intelligent Shipping Technology and Green Port Construction Applications

With the global economy’s relentless growth and heightened environmental consciousness, sustainable maritime transport emerges as a pivotal development trajectory for the shipping sector. This study systematically analyzes 478 publications searched in the Web of Science Core Collection, from 2000 to 2023, utilizing bibliometric methods to investigate the application areas in sustainable development within the shipping industry. This study begins with an analysis of annual publication trends, which reveals a substantial expansion in research endeavors within this discipline over recent years. Subsequently, a comprehensive statistical evaluation of scholarly journals and a collaborative network assessment are conducted to pinpoint the foremost productive journals, nations, organizations, and individual researchers. Furthermore, a keyword co-occurrence methodology is applied to delineate the core research themes and emerging focal points within this domain, thereby outlining potential research directions for future research. In addition, drawing on the keyword co-occurrence analysis, the advancements in intelligent shipping technologies and green port construction applications within sustainable maritime transport are discussed. Finally, the review discusses the existing challenges and opportunities of sustainable maritime transport from a theoretical and practical perspective. The research shows that, in terms of intelligent shipping technology, data security and multi-source data are the focus that people need to pay attention to in the future; a trajectory prediction for different climates and different ship types is also an area for future research. In terms of green ports, Cold Ironing (CI) is one of the key points of the green port strategy, and how to drive stakeholders to build sustainable green ports efficiently and economically is the future developmental direction. This review serves to enhance researchers’ comprehension of the current landscape and progression trajectory of intelligent shipping technologies, thereby fostering the continued advancement and exploration in this vital domain.

Identification of Stakeholder Involvement in Decision-Making Needs (Case Study: Sanur Port Construction Project)

Identification of Stakeholder Involvement in Decision-Making Needs (Case Study: Sanur Port Construction Project)

Exploration of Integrating South African Heritage into Art and Design Courses in Universities

With the country s attention to the cultural industry enabling rural revitalization, the inheritance and protection of intangible cultural heritage (hereinafter referred to as intangible cultural heritage ) has become an important subject of art and design professional education in colleges and universities. How to integrate the South African heritage into the teaching of art and design courses in universities aims to cultivate high-quality art and design talents with regional cultural characteristics through innovative education mode, and help the construction of Hainan Free trade Port and rural revitalization. The rich connotation and educational value of the South African heritage, the specific practice of universities in the integration of intangible cultural heritage into teaching, including curriculum setting, teaching mode, scientific research projects and social services.

НОВЫЕ ПОРТЫ И ТРАНСПОРТНЫЕ УЗЛЫ ПРИМОРЬЯ В ПЛАНАХ РЕГИОНАЛЬНОГО РУКОВОДСТВА ПЕРВОЙ ПОЛОВИНЫ 1990-х гг.

Based on archival materials, the article examines plans for the construction of new ports, as well as related transport hubs and transit corridors in Primorsky Krai in the first half of the 1990s. The author analyzes the prerequisites for theemergence of the idea to incorporate the ports of Khasansky and Shkotovsky districts into the international transport network, the motives for the participationof government bodies and businesses in preparing proposals for the modernization of transport infrastructure of the region. Particular attention is paid to the factors that determined the impossibility of implementing these plans in the 1990s.

Optimizing Dry Port Locations: A Comparative Analysis of Deterministic, Stochastic, and Robust Models

The increasing international maritime transportation of freight has caused a huge operation in important ports, which are often established near cities and therefore do not have enough room for expanding the operations. This causes long delays and poor productivity in ports. The construction of dry ports has been proposed as a suitable solution to mitigate the problems. A dry port is an inland intermodal terminal directly connected to a seaport by road or rail, where importers and exporters can clear their cargo through customs and handle other shipping formalities. Selecting the right place for the establishment of dry ports has a significant impact on the time and costs of transportation in the network, as well as environmental consequences. In this research, to determine the optimal location of dry ports among the potential locations, three mathematical models as deterministic, stochastic, and robust with three objectives of minimizing the maximum transportation time in the entire network, environmental pollutants, and transportation costs are presented, which simultaneously specify the required number of dry ports in the network and the optimal place to build them. The presented models have been implemented for data related to 30 million bills of lading in a 10-year period in Iran with four major ports and 400 cities. Both deterministic and non-deterministic approaches reveal a preference not to build a dry port in the first optimal solution. However, in the following desirable answers, different answers have been suggested. According to the sensitivity analysis performed by making changes in the fuel price situation or the existing rail network, the model introduces several potential points for the construction of dry ports. The results of this model show that, with the construction of dry ports, despite the increase in overall costs of the network because of the construction of dry ports, operation, and storage in them, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions will decrease significantly.

Characterization of port dredging waste for potential used as incorporation on materials for civil construction: A case study in Brazil

Port operation activities have been expanding globally, driven by globalization and increased cargo handling. Developing countries, such as Brazil, China, and India, are experiencing a rise in the construction of modern ports. Recently, sustainability concepts have been integrated into maritime transportation, focusing on the construction and management of ports and exploring the reuse of waste generated during operations. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the potential application of the dredging material of port of açu (DMPA), sourced from a new private port in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, in developing sustainable construction materials. The dredged material, collected from the bottom of the shipping canal was physically, chemically, and morphologically characterized to compare its results with the processing and application requirements for alternative materials. A standard method for primary processing was developed, providing deeper insights into the material’s condition. Results indicate that the natural dredged material can be utilized as a filler in interlocking blocks or mortar. Additionally, an alternative processing route involving calcination can enhance the material's reactivity, presenting opportunities for higher-value applications, although the energy costs must be considered. The calcination of 650 °C resulted in a higher pozzolanic index, increasing its reactivity. The study concludes that port dredging waste from this case study has significant potential for use in sustainable building material development.

Trade in Liushun (Port Arthur) at the Turn of the 19th and 20th Centuries

The history of the city of Port Arthur at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries in the literature is revealed primarily from the military point of view, which led to the emergence of numerous studies and works, while the role of the city as a commercial center has not received proper coverage either in Russian or Chinese historiography. The fact that contemporaries themselves perceived Port Arthur only as a military fortress also played an important role in this. This circumstance explains the fragmentary nature of the source base. The article reconstructs the history of trade in the city of Liushun during the Qing dynasty (until 1898) on the basis of archival materials, sources of personal origin and periodicals. The author concludes that the importance of Port Arthur as a temporary trading port was quite high before the foundation of Dalniy city. The construction of a military port in the 1880s stimulated the development of the city and promoted local Chinese trade. After Port Arthur was leased to the Russian Empire in 1898, the city became dominated by Russian capital. During the period of Russian rule, changes were made in the city's life that allowed Port Arthur to develop along Western lines and attracted immigrants and investment that further developed the city's industry and commerce. However, the purpose of such changes was to establish Port Arthur as a military stronghold of the Russian Empire in the Far East, which made the development of trade in the city unbalanced.

Research on Optimization Strategies for Logistics Construction in Zhoukou Port

Zhoukou Port is one of the 91 major ports planned by the country and the only major port in Henan Province. Therefore, studying the logistics construction of Zhoukou Port plays a crucial role in promoting the commercial circulation, logistics development, industrial upgrading, and economic transformation of Zhoukou and its surrounding cities. This article first analyzes the current development status of logistics construction in Zhoukou Port, then identifies the problems in development and proposes solutions, providing theoretical basis and practical guidance for the construction of port logistics in Zhoukou City.

Tidal dynamic response to riverbed evolution in the Yangtze River Estuary

Since 1958, there have been significant changes in the Yangtze River estuary. Due to extensive reclamation and construction of ports and channels, the water area has drastically decreased, resulting in corresponding changes in hydrodynamics and riverbeds at the mouth of the river. According to the analysis of measured topographic data and Delft3D-FLOW model for seven typical historical periods since 1958 at the Yangtze River Estuary, this study investigates the characteristics of riverbed evolution and tidal flow dynamics. From 1958 to 2019, driven by strong human activities, the total area of the Yangtze River Estuary decreased from 2084 km2 to 1403 km2, with a decrease of 32.7%, while the total volume of the corresponding river channel changed slightly and remained stable. Compared with 1958, the volume of the Yangtze River Estuary in 2019 only increased by 345 million m3, with an increase of about 4.1%. The tidal dynamic change of the Yangtze Estuary is closely related to the riverbed evolution of each reach, which not only shapes the estuary landform, but also is affected by the riverbed evolution. Tidal level, tidal range and water area change are closely related. With the decrease of water area in the Yangtze River Estuary, tidal range tends to increase. Tidal prism change is closely related to channel volume. In the past 60 years, the tidal volume at the mouth of the Yangtze River has decreased by 8%. The research findings will provide technical support for enhancing flood control and tide resistance measures at the Yangtze River Estuary, as well as formulating comprehensive management plans for estuaries, contributing to the protection and sustainable development of the Yangtze River Estuary.

Transport infrastructure in ensuring regional development and China's global competitiveness

Purpose: is to evaluate the modern role of transport infrastructure as the factor in the development of the regional economy and strengthening competitive positions outside the country using the example of China.Methods: the correlation-regression analysis, traditionally used to solve the task of the identifying influencing factors, was applied to the economic and transportation indicators across 28 Chinese regions for the year 2021. It was supplemented by the analysis of statistical data and the thematic case study of data on Chinese investments into the transport infrastructure projects both domestically, and abroad.Results: the assessment of infrastructure development of the railway and port infrastructure was carried out based on the analysis of the dynamics of the main indicators. The construction of a correlation and regression analysis model made it possible to form an idea of the impact of China's transport infrastructure on the gross regional product of the provinces. The degree of penetration of Chinese influence into other economies of the world through investments in transport infrastructure has been assessed. The tools for promoting infrastructure projects have been identified that characterize Chinese specifics and make it possible to ensure the country's competitiveness at the global level.Conclusions and Relevance: China is the striking example of the widespread construction of ports, railways, and highways, in addition to the creation of direct freight vehicles and dry cargo ships for the distribution of their products. The high importance of transport infrastructure and the number of employed people in this industry for the growth of the regional product of the provinces of China has been revealed. In the external circuit, the PRC is actively using the strategy of lending to other countries for the construction of infrastructure on their territories. The construction of roads, airports, seaports, power plants and transmission lines allow China to create infrastructure enclaves in developing countries to market its goods and export raw materials for subsequent processing. Borrowing the experience of the PRC in terms of mechanisms for granting grants and loans for the implementation of infrastructure projects will allow Russia to create an extensive system of movement of national goods to markets where they are most in demand in the territories of neighboring states.

An innovative approach to fly ash-based geopolymer concrete mix design: Utilizing 100 % recycled aggregates

Concrete is a widely used construction material globally, known for its ability to incorporate substantial quantities of industrial by-products such as fly ash (FA) and construction and demolition (C&D) debris. These by-products, originating from thermal power plants and construction activities, often pose environmental challenges when disposed of improperly. To address this issue, recycled aggregate geopolymer concrete (RAGPC) has emerged as a promising solution. However, the lack of a suitable mix design method has hindered the structural application of RAGPC. This study aims to introduce a novel mix design method utilizing 100 % recycled aggregate (RA) combined with FA through geopolymer technology, offering a simpler and more rational approach than previous methodologies. The proposed approach was validated through various concrete tests, utilizing a sodium silicate to sodium hydroxide ratio of 1.5 and a concentration of sodium hydroxide of 16 M as alkaline activation content (AAC), with an AAC to binder (B) ratio ranging from 0.3 to 0.8. Results indicate that incorporating FA and RA into concrete, coupled with elevated curing at 60 °C for 24 h for RAGPC hardening, yields compressive strengths (CS) ranging from approximately 14 to 35 MPa after a 28-day curing period. SEM and XRD tests were also conducted to analyse the polymerization processes, revealing the significant positive influence of FA on RAGPC performance. The findings suggest that fly ash has a superior synergistic influence on recycled aggregate geopolymer concrete performance. Moreover, due to its excellent resistance to chloride ingress and seawater corrosion, geopolymer concrete is well-suited for marine applications, including the construction of ports, harbours, offshore platforms, and coastal protection structures.

Existing Green Port Sustainable Practices under Fuzzy AHP Model: A Case Study of Karachi Port

Maritime transport drives globalization and international trade. Ports worldwide handle 80% of seaborne trade by volume and 70% by value. Sustainable development is more important due to unexpected worldwide environmental changes. Ports are vital to economic progress. Port construction and operation polluted the environment, prompting the green concept. The present study used the "Fuzzy AHP Model"to assess Karachi Port's sustainable green port practices based on previous research. The study identified five key characteristics of a green port: little hazardous waste handling, a weak air and water pollution control system, poor port greenery, and habitat quality maintenance below international standards at Karachi port. Future research should create and apply solutions to improve this study's prioritized features. Innovative technology, policies, and collaborations can sustain green ports. Port and regional studies uncover green port best practices and contextual differences. Monitor and evaluate strategies to adapt to changing environmental standards and maritime transport issues.

Smart Port Construction on the China-Vietnam Border and Smooth Cross-Border Trade: The Case of Dongxing

As the construction of e-commerce platforms and communication tools based on the internet has gradually matured, online transactions and smart customs clearance have emerged as new trends in cross-border trade and port construction. This paper takes the Dongxing Port in Guangxi Province, China, as an example, and analyzes the intelligentization of trade clearance, transactions, settlement and some other aspects including cross-border exchange, recognizing smart port construction as a new development model. It conforms to the current characteristics and the actual needs of borderland residents. On the one hand, it can improve the construction of the border exchange network, stimulate the economic expansion and elasticity of the port regions and promote smooth cross-border trade. On the other, it serves as a powerful means of encouraging the interconnection and mutual benefit of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) member states.

Tetrapod Placement Structure for River Estuary Stability on Luk Ulo Jetty

The meeting between the river and the sea is called the estuary which is a vital environment for the reproduction of marine life, especially fish. The estuary is preferred for industrial and commercial activities, including the construction of a lucrative port due to easy access to sea transport. However, estuaries face challenges such as sediment deposition that leads to shallow channels and river estuary closures. The mouth of the Luk Ulo River in Kebumen Regency, Indonesia, is particularly affected by sediment transport from the coast and changing the flow of the river to shrimp farming areas. To overcome this problem, the construction of a jetty is planned to stabilize the estuary. The study focused on the Luk Ulo River Estuary, utilizing wave, tidal, and bathymetric data to plan jetties effectively, emphasizing on the proper arrangement of tetrapods to prevent estuaries from becoming unstable. The research, which uses a quantitative descriptive approach, aims to determine the needs of tetrapods, porosity values, and the protective arrangement of jetties. The findings show that the Luk Ulo River estuary, which has a wave-dominated morphological characteristic, is susceptible to estuary closure due to sediment transport dynamics. Data analysis provides insights into tides, sediment transport, tetrapod placement and tetrapod needs that are highly beneficial for future projects, facilitating the design of effective jetty construction measures. This research contributes valuable information to coastal planning, especially in the regular arrangement of tetrapods and the need for tetrapods.