The Promise of Maritime Heritage for Port Cities: Challenges, Concepts and New Approaches

Maritime heritage – an ensemble of ships, ports, waterways, buildings and maritime skills – is one of the oldest and most vital forms of heritage. It has been key to the growth of port cities around the world. Maritime skills, which include the techniques and materials used to build and use watercraft, from dugout canoes to container vessels, have made it possible to transport goods, animals and people, bringing wealth to deltas and coastal areas. This article argues that maritime heritage holds cultural, historical and environmental value and can drive sustainable spatial and economic development. In the heritage sector, maritime heritage is a relative newcomer compared to built and natural monuments. However, especially in the context of climate change, it offers valuable lessons on adaptation and sustainability. Six examples from the Netherlands demonstrate how preserving maritime heritage can be compatible with climate adaptation and energy transition, including, for example, using wooden fishing vessels and tugboats in cities, towing vessels for slow tourism, and sailing vessels for combined passenger and goods transport. The article calls for additional studies of how the conservation of maritime heritage can encourage sustainable development.