Port cities of the future research identifies triple-win opportunity for ports and cities to work together

The findings suggest that ports and cities might secure a more harmonious future by collaborating to achieve sustainable diversification, which can deliver growth for ports whilst increasing benefits to the local economy and reducing environmental impacts – a triple win for all stakeholders.

Whilst most recent thinking assumes that specialisation is the best growth strategy for ports, our data reveals a strong preference among global ports for diversification or growth at their existing site over specialisation or relocation.

However, with 90% of the economic benefit of ports currently occurring outside of port cities, any growth strategy will need to be sensitive to the concerns of their local communities and authorities. The research reveals an understanding by ports that they have to reduce the negative impacts of their activities and restore the relationship between port and city to achieve sustainable development.

Ports’ ability to add economic value to the local area will be key and while current levels of adoption of a circular economy approach are lower than alternatives, (such as maritime clusters, waterfront economy and industrial development), it is the only method where ports report a large and significant increase between current levels of adoption and future interest.

Nick Clarke, Global Service Line Director – Ports, Marine and Waterways, says “This research, for the first time, confirms there is broad alignment between ports and cities in their objectives and the willingness of ports globally to embrace circular economy principles. With the right support and guidance from our research, and a collaborative approach between ports and city authorities, there is a real opportunity to bring changes that will benefit ports, local communities and the planet.”