This technical note presents an initial proposal on a framework for performance-based seismic design of port structures.Proven simplified methods and state-of-the-art analysis procedures have been carefully selected and integrated in the proposed design framework in order to provide a flexible and consistent methodology for the seismic design. Conventional seismic design is based on providing capacity to resist a design seismic force,but it does not provide information on the performance of a structure when the limit of the force-balance is exceeded. If we demand that limit equilibrium not be exceeded in conventionl design for the relatively high intensity ground motions associated with a very rare seismic event, the construction/retrofitting cost will most likely be too high.If force-balance design is based on a more frequent seismic event,then it is difficult to estimate the seismic performance of the structure when subjected to ground motions that are greater than those used in design. In this study,deformations in ground and foundation soils and the corresponding structural deformation and stress strain states are used as key design parameters. Based on the properly defined design earthquake levels and acceptable damage levels,the performance-based methodology presented in this technical note forms the basis for practice-oriented guidelines on seismic design of port structures.