CLARION

Abstract

In 2024, the CLARION Project was launched to enhance the resiliency and sustainability of port infrastructures and hinterland transport networks. This initiative brings together a multidisciplinary team of 20 partners from 11 European countries. CLARION aims to develop and implement innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change on port infrastructure through 10 dedicated pilot demonstrations, ensuring the transferability of results to other ports. This paper focuses on the pilot demonstration related to smart and sustainable quay walls. The primary aim of this demonstration is to reduce the carbon footprint of new quay walls while considering climate change impacts, extending the lifespan of existing quay walls by 25 years, improving functionality, and assessing resilience. Data from smart quay walls, fully equipped with advanced sensors and installed in the port of Rotterdam, were used to reduce uncertainties in finite element modelling and to develop a numerical digital twin of the structure. Machine learning techniques were employed to predict future stresses and forces using environmental data, such as tidal effects and temperature. The calibrated numerical digital twin can then be used to study the effects of climate change on quay-wall behaviour, including extreme water levels and temperature fluctuations. By embracing these pilot demonstrations, CLARION aims to contribute to Europe’s collective efforts to combat climate change and build a sustainable future. This aligns with the European Commission’s EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change and the European Green Deal, helping to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.