Environmental dynamic of port congestion in extraordinary situations: A study of impact in Port of Koper

This study addresses the environmental ramifications of shipping queues in port areas, a phenomenon often triggered by exceptional events or terminal congestion. The study focuses in particular on the environmental impact in exceptional operational situations where the number of anchoring vessels increases. Different operational Scenarios are used with Suez Max container vessels (capacity of around 8,000 TEU), Very Large Container Vessels (capacity of around 15,000 TEU) and smaller feeder vessels with up to 2,500 TEU. These Scenarios were developed to assess the environmental impact on air quality in the vicinity of the Port of Koper, considering certain wind conditions that could facilitate the displacement of pollutants to the hinterland. This is because the Port of Koper is developing container traffic very rapidly, increasing the arrival of container vessels. The results illustrate the complexity and conditional nature of the environmental impact of port operations. Notably, the study shows that exceptional operating situations in the port area or in the hinterland connections can lead to a significant increase in the number of vessels waiting for a berth, which increases greenhouse gas emissions around the port area. In addition, certain local wind directions and speeds could exacerbate pollution from vessel queues. The results argue in favor of nuanced, data-driven policy interventions in environmental and maritime transport management. Understanding the negative impacts of vessels waiting at ports and at anchor could lead to faster implementation of investments in the port area and hinterland connectivity to reduce the number of waiting vessels.