The report, Urgent Guidance for Ports, Waterways and Logistics Operations, was developed by leading transport and logistics insurer TT Club in partnership with international engineering consultancy Haskoning. It examines the potential consequences of climate change on ports and provides a practical roadmap to strengthen climate resilience in maritime operations.
It sets out immediate measures and long-term solutions to safeguard infrastructure, maintain operational continuity and support economic stability in the face of climate-related disruptions.
“Ports are the lifeblood of global trade, but they are also on the frontlines of climate change impact,” said Marika Calfas, TT Club Board Member and CEO of NSW Ports. “At NSW Ports, we see first-hand the importance of building resilience into supply chain infrastructure and operations. This guidance provides practical steps for understanding climate risks, planning adaptive responses, and embedding resilience into the core of business strategy.”
The report draws on historical examples such as the shutdown of Gulf Coast ports during Hurricane Katrina and the $12 billion in maritime damages caused by Japan’s 2011 tsunami, illustrating the severe economic and social consequences when resilience measures are lacking.
“Climate change is no longer a distant challenge – it is a pressing operational reality,” explained Neil Dalus, Risk Assessment Manager at TT Club. “Inaction could result in soaring repair costs, prolonged disruptions, and lost revenue. Proactive adaptation, on the other hand, can deliver long-term savings, operational security, and reputational benefits.”
According to the report, nearly 90% of the world’s 3,700 major ports are exposed to damaging climate hazards. From hurricanes and flooding to heatwaves and shifting ocean currents, climate change is amplifying risks that threaten port assets and the global supply chains they support. The report stresses that extreme climate events are inevitable rather than hypothetical, making urgent action essential. Delaying response measures risks compounding damage and escalating costs, while proactive planning secures long-term competitiveness and operational continuity.
The report also highlights opportunities for ports to leverage real-time climate data, IoT-enabled monitoring, and AI-powered predictive analytics to improve asset performance, reduce downtime, and strengthen emergency preparedness. Investments in sustainable infrastructure—ranging from renewable energy integration to natural barriers such as mangroves—can protect assets, enhance operational efficiency, and support decarbonisation goals.
Examples cited include the Port of Long Beach’s Coastal Resiliency Plan and the Port of Brisbane’s advanced weather monitoring upgrades, where forward-looking investment is already showing benefits.
“Climate adaptation should not be seen as a financial burden, but as a strategic investment in the long-term competitiveness of ports,” said Amy Savage, Technical Director of Climate Risk and Adaptation at Haskoning. “By integrating engineering expertise with cutting-edge digital technologies, we can create adaptive, future-proof solutions that mitigate risks and unlock value throughout the supply chain.”