Enhancing Climate Resilience in Maritime Ports: A Decision Support System Approach

Maritime ports, as critical nodes in global trade and transportation, face increasing challenges due to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and shifting environmental patterns pose significant threats to port infrastructure and operations. This paper explores the intersection of resilience, maritime ports, and climate change, presenting a comprehensive framework that leverages a Decision Support System (DSS) to fortify port resilience in the face of evolving climate-related challenges. The study begins by examining the specific vulnerabilities of Greek maritime ports to climate change using the collected data from a questionnaire-based survey. Recognizing the complex and interconnected nature of these challenges, the research advocates adaptive strategies centered around the development of a Decision Support System (DSS). The proposed DSS provides decision-makers with actionable insights for long-term infrastructure development as well as actions for minimizing the potential disruptions caused by climate-induced events. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on climate resilience in maritime infrastructure and offer valuable insights for policymakers, port authorities, and researchers seeking to address the complex challenges posed by climate change. By integrating climate considerations into decision support systems, this research provides a forward-looking approach to ensuring the sustainability and adaptability of maritime ports in an era of environmental uncertainty.