The Italian ports of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T): sustainability, climate resilience and public health implications

Background. The Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) represents a key instrument for achieving sustainable and climate-resilient mobility within the European Union. Seaports, as multimodal nodes connecting maritime, rail and road transport, play a strategic role in this framework, particularly in coastal and densely populated urban areas.
Methods. This study provides a policy-oriented analysis of the TEN-T structure, with specific reference to the 46 Italian seaports included in the network. Based on a review of European legislation, institutional documents and scientific literature, the paper examines the geographical distribution of Italian TEN-T ports, their environmental context and their relevance to public health and climate change adaptation.
Results. Particular attention is given to ports located near contaminated sites and to the growing exposure of coastal infrastructure to climate-related risks. The analysis highlights the need to integrate environmental sustainability, climate resilience, exposure monitoring and public health considerations into TEN-T port governance.
Conclusions. Such integration may contribute to reducing health-related exposures among port workers and surrounding communities.