Climate change will make top global ports unusable by 2050 as sea levels rise

A recent study has revealed that some of the world's largest ports could become inoperable by 2050 due to rising sea levels caused by climate change.

The study, titled "Global Maritime Trends 2050," was commissioned by Lloyd's Register and Lloyd's Register Foundation, leading entities in the shipping services sector, Reuters reported.

The study highlights that weather-related disruptions are already impacting global ports, including a drought affecting operations in the Panama Canal, a significant waterway.

It further states that out of the world's 3,800 ports, a third are located in tropical regions highly susceptible to the severe effects of climate change.

Among the most vulnerable are the ports of Shanghai, Houston, and Lazaro Cardenas in Mexico, which are among the world's largest.

These ports could potentially be rendered inoperable by 2050 with a mere 40 cm rise in sea levels. Other key ports, including Rotterdam, are already under pressure, according to the report.

The study emphasises the need for countries to invest in enhancing the efficiency and resilience of their ports and logistics infrastructure to keep up with the growing demand for imports and consumption.

For ports like Shanghai, which are highly susceptible to rising sea levels, the establishment of flood defense systems similar to Holland's Maeslant Barrier and London’s Thames Barrier could be a viable solution.

The shipping industry, which accounts for nearly 3 per cent of global CO2 emissions, is actively working on reducing its emissions by cutting down on fossil fuel consumption. However, the industry remains fragmented, with the average shipowner owning approximately five ships.

This fragmentation often leads to challenges in data gathering and sharing, crucial for accurate forecasting.

The report was released ahead of the London International Shipping Week, which commences on September 11.

The findings underscore the urgent need for more robust climate action and the adoption of new technologies to decarbonise the maritime sector.