bjarke ingels supports port decarbonization with green revamp of aqaba port in jordan

Bjarke Ingels Group to transform Aqaba Port Terminal in Jordan

Actively supporting the decarbonization of major ports and shipping hubs, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has developed plans for the environmentally friendly transformation of the Aqaba Container Terminal in Jordan. The project, which grew out of APM Terminals’ and Maersk’s efforts to optimize the port and surrounding logistics, envisions an environment that once again becomes the center of urban life, connecting land and sea through growth and innovation.

Within the renovated Aqaba Container Terminal, expected to be completed in 2040, local communities will be able to connect with industrial companies through training centers and recreational spaces, transforming the gray parts of the city into green centers. The site will also include solar panels and canopies that will enable zero-emission port operations and rely on fully electrified cranes, vehicles and charging stations. Renovating the yards with state-of-the-art technology will enable efficient operations while creating comfortable spaces for employees.

the transformation of Aqaba Container Terminal is expected to be completed in 2040 | all images courtesy of Ping-Pong visualization

economic, social, and environmental sustainability

BIG’s design for the Aqaba Container Terminal transformation aims to breathe life back into the port. This is achieved by decarbonizing its infrastructure, creating new synergies with local businesses and communities, and incorporating environmental rehabilitation strategies and nature-based solutions. The architects’ approach combines social, economic and environmental strategies into a holistic vision for the terminal and beyond, with a focus on safety and operational efficiency, which are key to APM Terminals.

‘Over the last decades, industries have driven economic growth, but also contributed to social inequalities and severe environmental impact. Aqaba Container Terminal is an example of how cleaner, quieter and safer infrastructure can create new forms of sustainable urban environments. As an urban planner and landscape architect the collaboration has been a unique chance to explore the hidden potential behind industrial sites and rethink infrastructure as a catalyst for urban, sustainable transformation. Developing this vision in collaboration with Maersk, APM Terminals and ACT has been an incredible opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders on the design and innovation of the global maritime infrastructure, which we all rely greatly on.’, shares Giulia Frittoli, Partner at BIG.

In parallel with the neutralization of carbon emissions, the reduction of long distances between the shipyard, customs clearance facilities, logistics and distribution centers will make the terminal a center of attraction for innovation, research, offices and commercial facilities. Local communities can connect with industrial companies through training centers, recreation areas and parks, transforming the gray parts of our cities into green centers.

the project envisions an environment that once again becomes the center of urban life,

Decarbonizing Aqaba Container Terminal

As mentioned above, the refurbished Aqaba Container Terminal will feature solar panels, and canopies that enable zero-emission operation of the port and allow the use of fully electrified cranes, vehicles, and charging stations. The renovation of the yards with state-of-the-art technology and sustainable pavement will ensure efficient operations while creating comfortable working areas.

By relocating the custom facility closer to the port, the clearance process is optimized and directly linked to Aqaba’s Logistics Village – an area where trade opportunities will be offered to the wider economy by connecting with local businesses. Bringing together agents and shippers will ensure faster goods distribution, while training and innovation centers will develop Jordan’s next generation of logistics professionals.

‘When Maersk and APM Terminals invited us to help reimagine container ports as hubs for green growth in the future, we were humbled, and extremely motivated. The past years, we have worked on a Plan for the Planet – a masterplan where we’ve attempted to plan pragmatically for a sustainable, human presence on Earth. This collaboration has allowed us to wander well beyond our normal territory and dive head-first into our passion for using architecture and planning to solve large-scale, complex challenges. For us, this framework is a huge step for sustainability and in rethinking our profession to work in the often-overlooked parts of our cities and activate them to play a crucial role in the urgent and necessary energy transformation of our society.’, mentions Bjarke Ingels, Founder & Partner at BIG.

the transformation enables zero-emission port operations, relying on fully electrified cranes