Sustainable port solutions

A broad portfolio of sustainable port solutions. All are proven solutions covering the themes of port-waters, port-cities, port-hinterland and port-energy. The portfolio will continuously be updated and expanded on the basis of state-of-the-art insights.

1.

Ports and their waters

1.9

Creating Estuarine Gradients

Sustainable principle:

Gradual natural salinity gradients

Potential benefits:

Area attractiveness, Rich marine life, Shoreline stabilization

Description:
Photo by Peter Ford

In tidal dynamic sandy conditions, like most of the Wadden Sea ports, the release of freshwater runoff from the hinterland within the ports is contributing significantly to the maintenance dredging requirements by strengthening sediment import from the sea. The concept of creating estuarine gradients was developed to resolve this issue. It consists of creating bypasses around a port, creating more gradual salinity transitions and accompanying natural variations, whilst at the same time improving fish passage possibilities. These solutions form a win-win situation reducing maintenance dredging and improving the natural quality.

Reference

Working with Nature in Wadden Sea Ports. Martin J. Baptist, Erik E. van Eekelen, P.J.T. Dankers, B. Grasmeijer, T. van Kessel & D.S. van Maren. Conference – Cairns, 21-23 June 2017

Relevant development goals:
  • index
  • 1.

    Ports and their waters

  • 2.

    Ports and their city

  • 3.

    Ports and their hinterland

  • 4.

    Ports and energy

1.9

Creating Estuarine Gradients

Sustainable principle:

Gradual natural salinity gradients

Potential benefits:

Area attractiveness, Rich marine life, Shoreline stabilization

Description:
Photo by Peter Ford

In tidal dynamic sandy conditions, like most of the Wadden Sea ports, the release of freshwater runoff from the hinterland within the ports is contributing significantly to the maintenance dredging requirements by strengthening sediment import from the sea. The concept of creating estuarine gradients was developed to resolve this issue. It consists of creating bypasses around a port, creating more gradual salinity transitions and accompanying natural variations, whilst at the same time improving fish passage possibilities. These solutions form a win-win situation reducing maintenance dredging and improving the natural quality.

Reference

Working with Nature in Wadden Sea Ports. Martin J. Baptist, Erik E. van Eekelen, P.J.T. Dankers, B. Grasmeijer, T. van Kessel & D.S. van Maren. Conference – Cairns, 21-23 June 2017

Relevant development goals:
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