Almost 90% of the world’s 3,700 largest ports are threatened by climate change, putting billions in trade and infrastructure at risk for each port. This is shown in a new international report that presents tools for measuring risks, planning actions, and making resilience a core part of port strategy.

Shipping faces a growing threat from rising sea levels and extreme weather events. In the report Urgent Guidance for Ports, Waterways and Logistics Operations, published earlier this week by the insurance and risk management company TT Club, several historical examples are highlighted where a lack of climate adaptation had severe consequences. Among them are the closure of ports along the U.S. Gulf Coast during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the extensive economic losses following the 2011 tsunami in Japan.

“Climate change is no longer a distant challenge – it is a pressing operational reality,” explains Neil Dalus, Risk Assessment Manager at TT Club, in a press release.
“Inaction could result in soaring repair costs, prolonged disruptions and lost revenue. Proactive adaptation, on the other hand, could deliver long-term savings, operational security and reputational benefits.”

According to the report, the majority of the world’s major ports are threatened by storm surges, extreme heat, heavy rainfall, and changing sea levels. The Port of Gothenburg, for example, is at risk from flooding and altered water flows. Extreme weather is no longer seen as hypothetical but as inevitable, making swift action crucial. The report presents several examples of such measures — from reinforcing quays and investing in renewable energy to using natural defenses such as mangrove forests. Digital tools, including IoT sensors and predictive analytics, are also highlighted as important for monitoring facility conditions and minimizing downtime. 

The report also points to positive examples and role models — such as the Port of Long Beach’s Coastal Resiliency Plan and the Port of Brisbane’s advanced weather monitoring system. These demonstrate how infrastructure and technology can be combined to manage extreme weather events.

“Climate adaptation should not be seen as a financial burden, but as a strategic investment in the long-term competitiveness of ports,” says Amy Savage of the consultancy firm Haskoning, which helped TT Club develop the report.
“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.”