Use of Model-Based Weather Forecasting Systems for Validation of Areas for Marine Energy Deployment in Port Service Areas

Ports serve as logistical hubs through which approximately 80% of the world's goods are transported annually. New regulations from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union require both ships and ports to implement measures designed to reduce the environmental, global, and local impact of port activities and mitigate climate change. These measures involve investing in renewable energy generation systems to transition from fossil fuel-based energy to renewable electricity. Consequently, constructing new power generation plants is necessary to meet ports' energy demands. However, ports are primarily logistics-focused platforms with limited space for other activities. Therefore, the use of port service areas, inner docks, and exterior/adjacent water zones for installing marine renewable energy generation plants is under consideration. This study employs high-resolution meteorological and oceanographic modelling, including wave agitation models validated with real-world data, to assess the feasibility of integrating marine renewable energy within port service areas.