Ports

Central pillars of international trade. Gateways to the globe.

Modern seaports are about more than facilitating commerce between countries. They’re prime locations for industry and innovation to come together, making the most of available land, access to materials, resources and likeminded peers.

Ports are areas for opportunity, but this means added complexity. Already characterised by big infrastructure – capable of receiving ships and moving cargo – the maritime industry is becoming increasingly diverse as they draw in new tenants. From advanced technology and manufacturing hubs to green energy and fuel generation facilities, the secret to success for modern ports is integration.

At Mace, we use cross-sector expertise and a delivery partner approach to help guide maritime clients on their expanding portfolios. Whether it’s overseeing critical infrastructure that ensures the smooth-running of cargo operations, delivering rail links to enhance inland connectivity, implementing digital communications infrastructure, or advising on leading-edge clean fuel facilities, our integrated approach to programme and project management places emphasis on collaboration across all parties to optimise outcomes for all.

It's an approach with benefits beyond the site. With diversity of operations comes diversity of opportunity for local people. Jobs, skills and increased demand for local services are all enhanced through well-thought-out social value strategies, embedded within our wider delivery approach and capitalising on the role ports play as anchor institutions around the world.

At the forefront of the energy transition

A rich maritime heritage. Space to build. Innovative and energy intensive tenants. Three ingredients that help explain why ports have a role at the forefront of the energy transition.

From wind turbine manufacturing to green hydrogen terminals, to heat networks that draw from on-site industrial processes, the clean energy opportunity at ports is vast. Strengthened by the culture of innovation, space to build facilities, synergies with offshore generation technologies and access to international trade opportunities, the scope for success will depend on how ports prioritise, manage and integrate the multitude of options available.

An anchor for the community

Often located in areas of deprivation, ports can have a profound impact on local communities if they commit to delivering social value. Through support for accelerators and catapults, dedication to focused training programmes, meaningful engagement with local SME suppliers and educational outreach, ports have proven they can drive economic betterment in the local area and beyond. Integrating a social value strategy within plans to build, maintain and operate assets is essential to making the most of the opportunity.

Long-term outcomes

With uncontrollable international events and foreign policy presenting uncertainty for ports, it pays to have long-term, diverse and integrated strategies for success (as well as a partner who can help see them through). Our teams have advised several port authorities on long-term investment, asset management, and sustainable energy strategies that underpin business cases and diversification plans designed to futureproof assets and operations.