Port operations and maritime logistics are facing increasing pressure to reduce their impact,  both actual and perceived, on local areas and ocean ecosystems. Although the data shows it to be the most efficient method for transporting people and goods, the maritime sector suffers from the disadvantage of relying on infrastructure and vessels that are highly visible due to their sheer size. Furthermore, some of the economic sectors dependent on the sea are linked to tourism, a sector currently under pressure due to issues of overcrowding. This session is dedicated entirely to the factors driving this impact, as well as the technologies and practices used to mitigate it.

Main topics:

• Issues regarding the impact of shipping and their solutions
• Particulate matter pollution in city ports and cold ironing
• The noise factor associated with port operations and the electrification of handling systems
• The need to optimize land use and automate container management
• Ship-generated waste and its management on board and ashore
• Ballast water, alien species and purification systems
• Low-impact anti-fouling