Climate Resistence Port Infrastructure

The CLARION Project addresses the resiliency and sustainability of port infrastructures and hinterland transport networks (both land and water connections) in the event of disruptions caused by climate change or other human-related incidents.

This holistic approach will help in responding to crisis situations that may halt port operations, leading to business losses and service interruptions. By focusing on ensuring resiliency, CLARION will also promote the safety and security of port access and operations while minimizing the environmental impact of construction, maintenance, operation, and decommissioning of port infrastructure.

Bringing together a multidisciplinary team of 20 partners from 11 European countries, CLARION will specifically develop and implement innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change on port infrastructure through 10 dedicated pilot demonstrations, which are expected to ensure the transferability of the results to other ports.

By embracing these initiatives, CLARION aims to contribute to Europe’s collective efforts to combat climate change and build a sustainable future, aligning with the European Commission’s EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change and the European Green Deal, helping to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. CLARION is a collaborative project funded by the Horizon Europe Programme, with a total EU budget of approximately 7 million euros, spanning 48 months and concluding in April 2028.

Expected Outcomes

1. Demonstrate technologies and innovations that increase the operational availability and resilience of seaport infrastructure, connected inland waterways infrastructure, and connected hinterland infrastructure during and after disruptions caused by extreme weather conditions and human-induced disruptions, acting on integrity, longevity, operational continuity, emergency preparedness, and climate-resilient materials.
2. Contribute to at least a 20% increase in the modal shift of port hinterland connections towards zero- and low-emission transport systems, promoting the shift to waterborne transport, enhancing integrated planning and operational efficiency, and fostering collaboration and coordination.
3. Ensure safe port access and port operations by avoiding additional accidents due to disruptions caused by a changing climate, fostering public safety and emergency preparedness.
4. Reduce the environmental impact during construction, maintenance, operation, and decommissioning of the infrastructure by 20%, going beyond EU environmental legislation, by using environmentally friendly construction materials, minimizing the extraction of natural resources, reducing energy and land consumption, minimizing ecosystem disruption, and aligning with circular economy principles.

Present guidelines describing measures to address climate risks and hazards, and provide guidance on how to screen and evaluate options, ensuring the transferability of project results.