Empirical Approach to Measuring Noise as Environmental Nuisance of the Seaport Activity and Assessing Its Impact on Local Port City Community

Purpose: The basic aim of the study came down to measuring noise emissions generated by the port container terminal and defining its impact on the comfort of life of the residents of housing estate adjacent to the terminal. Design/Methodology/Approach: A few research methods and techniques were applied: critical literature review, research questionnaire, comparative analysis, case study and noise measurement techniques. Findings: The final research results regarding the measuring, monitoring and reduction of noise generated as part of 24/7 business activities within the port/terminal area, perceived in terms of its impact on the comfort and quality of life of port city residents, clearly indicate that noise is still one of the main nuisances for them and port employees. At the same time, however, the conducted research indicates that the inhabitants of the port city perceive this type of noise as the effect of the overlap of both the constantly relatively loud activity of the port as a busy transport hub and the broadly perceived transport activity carried out in relation to it and the port city. Practical implications: Taking into account also the research results, indicating that the majority of residents living close to the port container terminal do not perceive port noise as the main factor adversely affecting the comfort of life during the daytime, it was possible to formulate conclusions and recommendations for the entities managing the port and terminal as well as city authorities regarding the reduction of port noise emission. They could contribute to the development of partnership relations between the seaport – residents – port city authorities. Originality value: The conducted study aimed to find the causal relationship between various forms of port’s noisy activity and its immediate surroundings, indicates the need not only for permanent cooperation between all directly interested parties but also creating a common crisis management platform in such a sensitive environment. Moreover, the adopted research methodology and the obtained results, allow to formulate clear recommendations regarding the development of a common environmental management strategy for the port and port city to create a synergy effect in this field.