PortKLIMA, a project supported by bremenports, aims to find out how vulnerable are the German seaports due to climate change, and what strategies and measures have to be implemented.
One important instrument for successful adaptation to climate change is the ability to assess the extent and the consequences of the individual impacts as early and as correctly as possible.
Focal aspects also include structural and physical measures, like the adjustment of flood protection systems. However, staff training and institutional measures, such as reviewing safety regulations, can also provide important impetus for adaptation to the consequences of climate change.
In order to translate the project findings into actual practice, workshops took place with port planning experts and engineers and the results have been incorporated in the curriculum for structural engineering students at the Universities of Applied Sciences in Bremen and Wismar. Five factsheets have also been prepared on the following topics:
Rudiments of climate change and climate model
- Effects of climate change – present
- Effects of climate change – future
- Seaports and climate change – developing an adaptation strategy
- Climate change mitigation.
The findings of the PortKLIMA project will be taken into account in the strategy for adapting the port facilities in Bremen and Bremerhaven, which is currently being drawn up by bremenports as part of the Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change for Bremen/ Bremerhaven .
This is scheduled for completion by the end of 2022 and one of the aims of the strategy is to identify and prepare measures and projects to raise resilience.
The strategy will simultaneously endeavour to promote resilient transport chains both at sea and on land.
