Climate change poses a significant challenge to infrastructure, with ports being no exception. Due to their coastal locations, ports are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, notably during extreme weather events. Therefore, making our ports climate resilient is of paramount importance.
The background
Weathering the storms
Located in the Portuguese Azores archipelago, the port of Lajes das Flores on the island of Flores faces the relentless storms of the Atlantic Ocean. Once a target of natural disasters, this harbour now embarks on a journey of revitalization and resilience.
In 2019, Hurricane Lorenzo swept across the island of Flores, leaving destruction in its wake. The port suffered severe damage, disrupting maritime traffic and impacting the island’s economy and social fabric. Storm Ephraim followed in 2022, compounding the challenges.
The challenge
Rebuilding with purpose
Portuguese authorities meticulously planned the port’s revival, ensuring improved facilities and increased resilience to extreme weather events in its future operation.
The port reconstruction is a comprehensive endeavour that involves several stages.
Firstly, the reconstruction of the jetty will be undertaken. This will involve not only refurbishing the existing structure but also extending it by approximately 100 meters. This extension is designed to accommodate vessels and increase the port’s capacity.
Close to the jetty, a new pier will be constructed. This pier, measuring 170 meters in length, is designed with service depths of -9 meters (HZ) and a 40-meter wide platform. This substantial structure will be built to facilitate the docking and servicing of a wide range of maritime vessels.
The new structure, which includes the breakwater and the adjacent cargo berth, will have several parts: a 145-meter western section with two protective walls founded on rocky bottom and a 40-metre wall in front of the crown , a 67.5-meter curved transition section, and a 330-meter trunk section.
Finally, the project will involve the rehabilitation of general technical networks. The access road to the port will be reconstructed, enhancing its capacity and durability to support increased traffic and heavy vehicles. The rehabilitation works will also include the upgrade of the water and electricity networks, public lighting, video surveillance, and fuel systems.
@Porto dos Açores
The action
The pathway to resilience
In this project which has resilience at its core, our experts provided technical advice, comprehensive analysis and reliable support, ensuring that the project is aligned with EU funding requirements.
JASPERS, as part of the EIB Advisory services, advised to Portos dos Açores during the preparatory studies which included feasibility assessments, demand and cost-benefit analyses, climate proofing, environmental aspects and other necessary groundwork. Through its analysis and recommendations, we ensured that the project was well-prepared for successful implementation.
Our team also reviewed key deliverables such as technical reports, design documents, or project plans. Our experts evaluated their quality, consistency, and compliance with project requirements.
The results
The reconstruction of Lajes das Flores port in a context of post-extreme weather event teaches us valuable lessons about human and infrastructure resilience.
The port's reconstruction will greatly benefit the local economy, which relies on sea transport, by improving cargo operations and boosting the efficiency of goods transportation, crucial for the island's import and export needs.
The results of the port reconstruction are expected be significant, leading to improved safety, efficiency, and climate resilience in port operations. These improvements will have long-lasting impacts, helping the port to better serve its role.
The rebuilt port will have better operational and safety conditions. This involves two key areas: improved shelter conditions in the port basin and enhanced wharf service. By focusing on these areas, it will be possible to create a safer and more efficient environment for port operations.