In support of the port

摘要

Nobody likes a port on their doorstep, it seems. They are dirty, dusty, noisy and emit all sorts of life-shortening emissions, when they are not causing light pollution and bunging up all the surrounding roads with their traffic. Best that they are shut down, their wharves converted to bijou restaurants and pleasant blocks of apartments offering harbour views where a few recreational craft and excursion vessels (although not too many) can ripple the waters in a pleasing fashion. But what about the ships that crowd into the port, to load and discharge their cargo? Where would they go? Well, anywhere out of sight, where they don't cause harm to wildlife or the natural environment we cherish. And do we really need ports if "transport miles" are to be regarded as antisocial and "localism" is the new mantra of the well-informed?