Publication Date:
2014-11-01
Description:
Seaports are important drivers of regional economies, and many face seismic risks. This study examines whether and how North American seaports consider, have engaged in, or have the capacity to effectively plan, manage, and mitigate seismic risks. Of particular interest is the way in which the evolving public–private governance arrangements in ports influence risk decision making. Results from a survey of North American seaports ( N = 61) show that—contrary to expectations—port privatization influences seismic planning only indirectly through stakeholder influences on decisions, if at all, and ports identify optimizing economic development prospects as their primary strategic goal, rather than return on investment. Although seismic hazard is predictive of seismic planning, some higher-hazard ports report no plans to assess seismic vulnerability and report informal or no seismic mitigation plans. Further, higher-hazard ports are no more likely than lower-hazard ports to prioritize safety enhancements.
Print ISSN:
8755-2930
Electronic ISSN:
1944-8201
Topics:
Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying
,
Geosciences
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