SUPAIR|Ports towards Sustainable Maritime Transport
Coastal zones are matter of several risks, especially crucial at a time when marine environments are undergoing great changes caused by increasing greenhouse gases, coastal pollution and last but not least climate change. The SUPAIR SUstainable Ports in the Adriatic-Ionian Region project focuses on ports as main driving forces for achieving sustainable trasportation in the area.
Sea monitoring plays an important role for assessing noise pollution, water quality and the impact of ship traffic. This activitiy is currently carried out by Luka Koper, the managing company of the port of Koper, one of the port involved in the SUPAIR project. The company is in charge of implementing mesaures able to detect environmental impact and reduce the carbon and ecological footprint. To this end, specific actions have kicked off last month in the port of Koper:
NOISE MONITORING
New sensors and monitoring system for noise have been installed in port’s area near the city centre to check the quality on the border with the port. Luka Koper measures the noise level at three border points within the port and are presented on-line as port’s first industrial plant 24 hours a day on the port’s web portal for sustainable port development: www.zivetispristaniscem.si
UNDERWATER FLOWS
In case of emergency, studies regarding underwater flows and their movements are crucial for prompt interventions and for the reduction of potential irreparable collateral damages. The volume level of cargo transported by sea is every year higher. A study for underwater flows and water quality in port’s basins is being carried out and it will represent the basis for installation of sensors and water quality cameras. The letter ones will be installed in port’s basin to check and foresee movements of pollutants in case of accidents.
SOLAR ENERGY
At small scale, solar electricity may allow the port of Koper to be smarter for guests arriving at cruise terminal by options offered for the connection with the local wi-fi net and with usb connectors for the recharging of devices. The installation is going to be operated during the “cruise season” and will offer data for the analysis until the end of the project.