The World Ports Sustainability Program considers the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals as a single and indivisible orientation for the sustainable development of ports. The World Ports Sustainability Program wil implement the UN SDGs along six themes, each of them covering a non-exhaustive list of potential topics.

Relevant UN SDGs

Digitalization

These projects apply innovative digital technologies in port management and operations, delivering on the aims of IAPH’s industry call to action to accelerate digitalization in ports and the maritime transport chain.

Potential topics

Innovative digital applications; data collaboration with stakeholders; process and documentation flow improvements; intra-port and hinterland mobility; port call optimization and just-in-time (JIT) arrival of ships; Port Community Systems (PCS); Maritime Single Windows (MSW); Port Management Systems (PMS); smart port initiatives

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Relevant UN SDGs

Infrastructure

These projects focus on sustainability and resilience, addressing major infrastructural and service challenges in ports. Optimising physical port infrastructure is the goal.

Potential topics

Sustainable port development projects; new state-of-the-art facilities; optimizing use of existing port capacity; handling increasing ship sizes; sustainable dredging projects and beneficial use of dredged material; focus on climate resilience in infrastructure development and climate adaptation projects

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Relevant UN SDGs

Health Safety and Security

The projects integrate health, safety and security into the port business by matching efficient port operations and accessible port areas with high standards in each of these three disciplines.

Potential topics

Promotion of health and safety culture; enhancing health and safety of personnel and port visitors as response to COVID pandemic; innovation in security controls and inspections of cargo and passengers; using innovation to establish secure as well as accessible port areas; working in automated environments; cybersecurity measures

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Relevant UN SDGs

Environmental care

Projects addressing the environmental impact of port operations on air, water, soil, sediment, and natural habitats.

Potential topics

Addressing air pollution, dust, noise and water pollution; protecting freshwater resources; addressing water consumption; waste collection; re-use and recycling initiatives; targeted marine litter initiatives; addressing soil and sediment contamination; protecting habitats and enhancing biodiversity

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Relevant UN SDGs

Community building

These projects lead on the societal integration of ports: aligning and integrating port and community objectives for the betterment of both. They also involve leadership by port authorities in adhering to principles of good corporate governance and promoting them in the wider port community.

Potential topics

Port information and training centres; open port initiatives; community and social engagement programmes; education and employment initiatives; transparency and reporting; equal rights and opportunities; gender equality; business ethics; fair trade / responsible supply chains; anti-corruption; sustainable cruise tourism

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Relevant UN SDGs

Climate and Energy

These project facilitate energy transition in ports. They are part of efforts the sector is striving towards in terms of CO2-neutral ports in order to help achieve global climate goals.

Potential topics

Energy efficiency; circular economy; bio-based economy; renewable energy; CO2,reduction initiatives; clean ship incentives; deployment of alternative transport fuels; low and zero-carbon bunkering infrastructure