An Interview with Pr. Rochdi Merzouki: Leading the SAFARI Project for Resilient Port Infrastructure

The European SAFARI project, or SAFe, ClimAte Resilient Infrastructure, is leading the way in building resilient port infrastructure against climate change. We sat down with Pr. Rochdi Merzouki, the Project Coordinator of SAFARI, to understand the vision, challenges, and anticipated milestones of this ambitious project.

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Q1: Can you briefly introduce the SAFARI project and explain what inspired its inception?

Rochdi: The SAFARI project is a pioneering initiative aimed at developing a robust digital platform to enhance the resilience of port infrastructure. This project focuses on creating solutions to ensure that ports can effectively withstand and recover from extreme weather events, such as storms, floods, and other climate-related disruptions.  

Q2: How does SAFARI plan to address the specific challenges posed by climate change to port infrastructure?

Rochdi: The SAFARI project aims to develop a generic digital platform designed for resilient port infrastructure, especially in the face of extreme weather events. This platform will connect large port communities and include emergency management modules, which will be supported by operational, maintenance, and analytical tools.  

Q3: What specific outcomes do you hope to achieve at each pilot or replication port, and how will these be measured?

Rochdi: Each pilot and replication port has its own specific goals, but they all contribute to demonstrating the effectiveness of our digital platform. Here are some of the key outcomes we’re aiming for:

1. Operational Resilience During Disruptions

Outcome:  

• Maintain port operations at a minimum of 80% capacity during extreme weather events.  

Measurement:

• Compare operational data before, during, and after disruptions to measure continuity of services.  

• Assess the time taken for operations to recover to full capacity after the disruption.  

2. Optimization of Multimodal Transport Assets

Outcome:

• Achieve a 20% shift in modal cargo transport (e.g., road to rail or inland waterways) with reduced environmental impact.  

Measurement:

• Monitor the utilization rates of different transport modes before and after disruptions.  

• Measure reductions in emissions, fuel consumption, and carbon footprint due to optimized modal shifts.  

3. Reduction in Downtime

Outcome:

• Minimize downtime during and after extreme weather events by improving maintenance and emergency response processes.  

Measurement:

• Track the number and duration of downtime incidents at each port.  

• Measure time taken to restore full operational capacity after the occurrence of extreme weather events.  

4. Implementation of Resilience Measures

Outcome:

• Strengthen existing port infrastructure against the impact of extreme weather events.  

Measurement:

• Conduct structural assessments before and after resilience measures are implemented.  

• Measure reductions in damages, repair costs, and recovery time following extreme weather events.  

5. Safety and Environmental Protection

Outcome:

• Ensure the safety of personnel, vessels, and the protection of biodiversity during disruptions.  

Measurement:

• Monitor environmental indicators, such as water quality and biodiversity preservation, before and after disruptions.  

6. Creation of Governance and Climate Risk Framework

Outcome:

• Develop a governance model and guidelines for managing climate risks at ports.  

Measurement:

• Evaluate the adoption of governance guidelines by port authorities and other stakeholders.  

• Assess the integration of climate risk management protocols in port operations and decision-making processes.  

7. Data Sharing and Collaboration

Outcome:

• Facilitate real-time data sharing and collaboration among port communities and stakeholders.  

Measurement:

• Track data exchange and communication flow between ports, transport operators, and emergency responders.  

• Assess improvements in coordination during extreme weather events.

Q4: Can you share some insights into the key milestones that SAFARI aims to reach in the coming years?

Rochdi: The SAFARI project aims to achieve several key milestones over the next few years, focusing on enhancing port resilience against extreme weather events and improving overall operational efficiency. Some of the key milestones include:  

1. Development of the Digital Platform (Year 2024-2025):

• Design and implement a generic digital platform for port resilience, incorporating modules for emergency management, operational monitoring, maintenance, and analytics.  

• Establish connectivity with large port communities to enable real-time data sharing and collaboration.  

2. Pilot Implementation and Testing (Year 2025-2026):

• Deploy the platform in port pilots to test its functionality in real-world scenarios, focusing on its ability to maintain port operations at 80% capacity during disruptions.  

• Optimize multimodal transport asset allocation, aiming for a 20% modal cargo shift, reducing the environmental footprint during disruptions.  

3. Resilience Measures and Infrastructure Fortification (Year 2026-2027):

• Develop and implement resilience measures to strengthen port pilots infrastructure against extreme weather, ensuring minimal downtime and quicker recovery.  

• Integrate systems for safeguarding personnel, vessels, and biodiversity during extreme events in the port pilots and replicated ports.  

4. Governance and Policy Framework (Year 2025-2027):

• Establish a governance model and create guidelines to manage climate risks and hazards for port infrastructure.

Q5: What are some of the biggest challenges you anticipate facing as the project progresses?

Rochdi: There are several challenges we foresee:

• Ensuring that the SAFARI digital platform integrates seamlessly with existing port infrastructure and systems.  

• Customizing the SAFARI platform to meet the specific needs and conditions of different pilot ports, including varying infrastructure and climate conditions.  

• Coordinating and engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, including port authorities, transport operators, and emergency responders.  

• Accurately measuring and validating the effectiveness of resilience measures and the platform's impact on port operations.  

• Preparing the platform and port infrastructure to effectively handle a wide range of extreme weather scenarios and unpredictable events.  

• Complying with varying regulations and policies related to port operations, environmental protection, and disaster management.

Q6: How does SAFARI plan to overcome these challenges to ensure the success of the project?

Rochdi: To address these challenges,  

• Work closely with port operators and technology providers to understand existing systems and ensure seamless integration.  

• Create a flexible framework within the platform to allow for local customization and adjustment.  

• Establish clear communication channels and regular update mechanisms to keep stakeholders informed and engaged.  

• Develop and implement robust metrics and methodologies for evaluating the platform’s effectiveness and resilience measures.  

• Use simulation models and real-world data to validate performance and adjust strategies as needed.  

• Incorporate AI-driven algorithms and dynamic response capabilities into the platform to handle a range of extreme weather scenarios.  

• Incorporate regulatory requirements into the platform’s design and operational processes.

Q7: SAFARI involves collaboration with various partners across Europe. How important are these partnerships to the success of the project?

Rochdi: Partnerships with a range of organizations bring together diverse expertise and resources. Each partner contributes specialized knowledge (Academic partners in engineering, biodiversity, logistics, business), technology (SMEs), or infrastructure (port partners and stakeholders) that is vital for addressing different aspects of port resilience. The collaborative environment accelerates the development of innovative solutions for enhancing port resilience and adapting to extreme weather events. Also, successful pilot testing in diverse locations in EU and outside EU ensures that the platform is robust, adaptable, and effective across different port settings.Finally, increased stakeholder engagement leads to better collaboration, smoother implementation, and more effective dissemination of the platform’s benefits.

Q8: Can you share an example of how collaboration with a specific partner has already impacted the project?

Rochdi: A great example is our work with Port Authorities of port pilots Dunkerque, Seville and Lisbon and replicable ports Livorno and Tripoli will provide access to their facilities for testing the SAFARI platform in a live operational environment. This included deploying sensors, data collection tools, and emergency management modules. The real-world testing will allow the SAFARI partnership to validate the platform’s performance, functionality, and integration with existing port systems. It identified specific issues and allowed for immediate adjustments, ensuring that the platform is robust and effective in actual conditions. Also, the latter port authorities will provide critical feedback on the platform’s usability, functionality, and integration with existing processes. They will share insights on operational challenges and specific needs related to resilience. Finally, the port authorities will collaborate on the development and implementation of innovative solutions of SAFARI, such as advanced predictive analytics for weather events and automated response systems.

Q9: What motivates you personally to lead a project like SAFARI?

Rochdi: Leading this project allows me to contribute to innovative solutions that address real-world challenges and push the boundaries of current technology. It allows me to play a role in shaping solutions that have tangible benefits for communities, the environment, and the global economy. Also, it allows me to leverage my leadership skills to coordinate efforts, foster collaboration, and achieve shared goals, while learning from and contributing to a network of experts.

Q10: Looking ahead, how do you see the findings from SAFARI influencing future port infrastructure projects?

Rochdi: Pilot Ports will incorporate advanced predictive analytics and real-time monitoring systems of SAFARI, leading to more robust infrastructure capable of maintaining operational continuity during adverse conditions. Thus, future port projects will increasingly rely on digital solutions for operational management, risk assessment, and emergency response, leading to smarter and more adaptive infrastructure. Also, future port infrastructure projects will benefit from well-defined governance structures and policies that support effective risk management and resilience planning.

Q11: What is your long-term vision for the SAFARI project, and how do you hope it will shape the future of global port operations?

Rochdi: SAFARI aims to establish a new benchmark for port resilience by providing a comprehensive, adaptable framework that can be replicated and scaled globally. The project seeks to spearhead the digital transformation of port operations through the integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI, IoT, and predictive analytics. SAFARI’s focus on advanced emergency management and response will set a new precedent for how ports prepare for and handle extreme weather events and other emergencies. Ultimately, SAFARI aims to leave a lasting legacy by transforming ports into resilient, adaptive hubs capable of thriving in an increasingly unpredictable climate.

Q12: How can young professionals and researchers get involved in the SAFARI project?

Rochdi: Researchers can collaborate on specific aspects of the project, such as resilience modeling, predictive analytics, or digital transformation. They can attend workshops, seminars, or conferences organized by SAFARI or its partners. They contribute to case studies or pilot projects conducted within the SAFARI framework.

Q13: What message would you like to convey to the next generation about the importance of resilience in port infrastructure?

Rochdi: Ports are essential for international trade and commerce. Resilient infrastructure ensures that ports can continue to operate efficiently during and after disruptions, safeguarding economies and protecting jobs. As emerging professionals and innovators, you have the power to shape the future of port infrastructure. Contribute your skills, ideas, and passion to create infrastructure that not only meets today’s needs but is also prepared for tomorrow’s uncertainties.

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