Research Information System
8th International Conference on the Mediterranean Coastal Environment, Alexandria, Canada, 13 - 17 November 2007, pp.435-445
Ports are the most important gateways for trade in the world, subject to several activities, inter alia maritime transport, wharehousing, transshipment and marine services. Port development and operations have the potential impact on environmental and human resources. Ports are also major centers of economic activities. At the same time they are major centers of environmental risks and pollution. Ships, and port related activities cause degradation of seawater and the port environment and have significant impacts on land use, health hence the quality of life. The port activities can be divided into two major groups, namely the development activities and operational activities.