SEA-LEVEL RISE AND EMERGING MARITIME ROUTES

PATHWAYS FOR GLOBAL PORT ADAPTATION

Abstract

In the coming decades, maritime transport will face profound changes driven by climatic and economic factors. Sea-level rise, emphasized by the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), poses severe risks to coastal infrastructures, especially seaports, which are critical nodes in global supply chains. Addressing these challenges requires urgent adaptation measures, such as expanding operational areas, retrofitting existing facilities, and planning new resilient infrastructures. The potential emergence of alternative maritime routes, resulting from Arctic melting and shifting trade dynamics, reinforces the importance of adaptive port governance. This article explores the intersection between sea-level rise and global maritime routes, highlighting how port adaptation strategies can sustain trade flows and anticipate geopolitical and logistical shifts. It proposes guidelines for resilient port development, grounded in climate risk assessment and international experiences, while identifying research gaps and institutional barriers. Ultimately, adaptation is framed as both risk reduction and an opportunity for sustainable, efficient, and integrated ports.