Ports in small island countries serve as critical “lifelines,” enabling trade, connectivity, and access to essential goods and services. However, these ports face a distinct range of challenges, including:
- Geographic remoteness and limited connectivity
- Small populations and constrained human capacity
- Limited natural resources and high trade imbalances
- Exposure to climate change and natural disasters
- Sensitive environmental conditions
- Limited financial and institutional capacity for development and maintenance
WG240 directly addresses these challenges by providing context-specific guidance tailored to the realities of small island environments, building on earlier PIANC work while updating it to reflect current global priorities.
The WG240 report has been developed by an international, multidisciplinary group of experts, with extensive experience across the Pacific, Caribbean, and AIS regions. representing:
- Port authorities and government agencies from small island countries
- International financing institutions, including development banks
- Maritime consultants, engineers, and contractors
- Private sector stakeholders across the maritime industry
The report delivers structured guidance across the entire port development and operational lifecycle, including:
- Strategic Context and Regional Considerations
- Environmental and Climate Considerations
- Planning and Operational FrameworksX
- Design, Construction, and Asset Management
- Sustainability, Energy, and Decarbonisation
- Financing and Development Models
Rather than duplicating existing technical standards, WG240 provides context-sensitive guidance on “what to consider”, enabling effective application of existing PIANC and industry guidelines within small island conditions.
PIANC, the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure, is pleased to announce the forthcoming release of MarCom Working Group Report No. 240 (2026), titled “Guidance for Ports in Small Island Countries”. This publication provides a comprehensive, practice-oriented framework designed to support the planning, design, construction, operation, and long-term sustainability of port infrastructure in small island countries (SICs).
Ports in small island countries serve as critical “lifelines,” enabling trade, connectivity, and access to essential goods and services. However, these ports face a distinct range of challenges, including:
- Geographic remoteness and limited connectivity
- Small populations and constrained human capacity
- Limited natural resources and high trade imbalances
- Exposure to climate change and natural disasters
- Sensitive environmental conditions
- Limited financial and institutional capacity for development and maintenance
WG240 directly addresses these challenges by providing context-specific guidance tailored to the realities of small island environments, building on earlier PIANC work while updating it to reflect current global priorities.
The WG240 report has been developed by an international, multidisciplinary group of experts, with extensive experience across the Pacific, Caribbean, and AIS regions. representing:
- Port authorities and government agencies from small island countries
- International financing institutions, including development banks
- Maritime consultants, engineers, and contractors
- Private sector stakeholders across the maritime industry
The report delivers structured guidance across the entire port development and operational lifecycle, including:
- Strategic Context and Regional Considerations
- Environmental and Climate Considerations
- Planning and Operational FrameworksX
- Design, Construction, and Asset Management
- Sustainability, Energy, and Decarbonisation
- Financing and Development Models
Rather than duplicating existing technical standards, WG240 provides context-sensitive guidance on “what to consider”, enabling effective application of existing PIANC and industry guidelines within small island conditions.
