The chair between CESAM/UA and the Port of Aveiro begins its work this week. This pioneering initiative at the national level aims to deepen scientific knowledge at the interface between environmental sustainability and economic development linked to the port sector.
Américo Soares Ribeiro, from CESAM/DFIS, is the researcher hired under this chair, which is co-financed by FCT, the Port of Aveiro Administration, and CESAM/UA. The chair, which will run for six years, is part of the FCT–Tenure program, which aims to promote the hiring of researchers in Portuguese scientific institutions in close collaboration with non-academic entities, such as the Port of Aveiro Administration.
The development of the Port of Aveiro requires interventions to improve its maritime access and port infrastructure. These projects, along with the anticipated effects of climate change, such as sea-level rise, increased coastal erosion, and sedimentation, demand in-depth knowledge to ensure that port growth is compatible with the surrounding environment. The Chair’s work will therefore focus on topics such as hydrodynamic modeling, assessment of environmental impacts of port operations, and their adaptation to climate change, with particular attention to the Ria de Aveiro, an ecosystem classified as a Special Protection Area (SPA).
One of the main objectives underway at CESAM/UA is the development of numerical models capable of simulating the hydrodynamic processes in the Ria de Aveiro, including tides, wind-driven wave patterns, and currents. These models are also fundamental for the technical monitoring of port projects, allowing for the anticipation of potential environmental impacts arising from development interventions at the Port of Aveiro.
The collaboration between CESAM/UA and the Port of Aveiro Administration reflects an integrated approach, grounded in scientific evidence, aiming to reconcile economic growth objectives with ecological sustainability and climate change adaptation imperatives. This articulation between science and operational practice strengthens the region’s capacity to tackle challenges related to coastal management and the resilience of estuarine systems.
Original news: Notícias UA, July 15, 2025