ANNUAL REPORT 2025 47 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT Based on these time horizons, the Trust has prioritised the most significant risks, along with the corresponding responses, as summarised in the table below. Risk1 Time horizon Implications for the Trust Response Physical (acute) Heavy precipitation (pluvial flooding) Short-term Heavy precipitation can cause flooding, landslides and other forms of water damage that can disrupt operations. It may also damage critical infrastructures like roads and rails in the port vicinity, hamper port access, or cause accidents or disruptions that could limit the ports’ capacity. • Well-constructed rainwater drainage systems, with regular inspection and clean-up to readily receive large surface run-off during heavy precipitation, and more frequent check-ups prior to rainy seasons to maintain their proper functioning Typhoon (extreme wind) Short-term Typhoons or extreme winds can cause widespread damage to port facilities, such as cranes and warehouses. Heavy winds can also create challenges to berthing, navigating the port, and loading and unloading. Normal operations may be disrupted, leading to delivery delays or cancelled shipments. • Typhoon Prevention Guidelines to ensure safe operation during typhoons and swift resumption in operations after typhoons • Typhoon Defence Control Centre at the YANTIAN building to monitor and arrange timely response actions • High wind resistance design for QCs to ensure safety at berths • Higher quay deck level designs to reduce the risk of coastal flooding during storm surges Physical (chronic) Rising mean temperatures (increased heat) Long-term Outdoor workers are exposed to heat-related illnesses as temperatures rise, resulting in productivity loss. The demand for air conditioning and cooling systems, and their corresponding energy costs increase as a result of more hot days. • High temperature and heatstroke prevention guidelines are in place • Use of remote control function in crane operations to reduce time spent working outdoors • On-site features with solar insulation and passive cooling to address adverse impacts of rising temperatures while lowering energy costs • Cranes are designed to withstand temperature ranging from 0°C to 50°C 1 Rising sea levels was also considered in the risk identification process for its high relevance to ports which operate in coastal areas, but after considering the expected sea level rise till 2050 and the specifications of existing infrastructure at HIT and YANTIAN, rising sea levels were found to pose a relatively low risk.
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