Port authorities have numerous responsibilities that have a substantial impact on the life of the local community. These include protecting the integrity of property and people, blocking illegal trade such as drug or arms trafficking, and reducing industrial risks. In its latest report, the ICS shows that 90% of the cocaine trafficked worldwide passes through ports before reaching consumers. In response, the British Ports Association has launched “PortSafe”, a new awareness campaign to train port workers to spot and report illegal activities. Given their nature, the most important kind of safety for ports to address concerns industrial risks. That’s why Hyunday Heavy has developed an AI-based early fire monitoring solution, particularly useful in areas through which hazardous chemicals regularly pass.

Port cities are becoming innovation hubs as several AIVP members show us. In Bahía Blanca, Argentina, the port authority just launched the Smartport Lab, including the 2021 Challenge, for start-ups to present innovative solutions in 4 themes, energy, environmental monitoring, tracking small boat tracking and smart sea tech. In Spain, many port cities are also investing in innovative start-ups. In Sevilla, the port and the university just laid the cornerstone for new CIU3A innovation centre, in an investment of 15 million €. In other cases, the Ports 4.0 by Puertos del Estado is fostering innovation opportunities. For example, in Bilbao, the PortLab will support 6 ideas that will receive funding from the national program.

In Le Havre, 25% of the territory controlled by the port authority HAROPA is exclusively dedicated to the environment, therefore, protecting the biodiversity is a crucial responsibility. Among the different actions by HAROPA, is installing nests for birds and bats, and the maintenance of certain dead standing trees that can provide cavities that are favourable for certain species. These actions are part of the Biodiversity Action Plan covering more than 1000 species. Another examples of successful program to protect animal species is the ECHO program for whales, from the port of Vancouver. The recently published 2020 report explains the 6 key projects developed last year, ranging from voluntary vessel slowdown, or tugboats inshore lateral displacement to underwater listening stations and studies. In Pointe Noire, terminal operator Bolloré launched a series of awareness-raising days for families on biodiversity conservation, emphasizing issues relating to sea turtles.

The development plan concerns a 23 hectare site south of the Port, which will be transferred to the City. The district will be turned into new green spaces, tertiary and sports installations for the benefit of residents. These include the newly created Parque de Desembocadura, two-thirds funded by the port, and the Levante sports complex. A green pedestrian and cycle route will connect the Parque de Desembocadura with the existing corridor that passes through the logistics zone. Last March, the Port of Valencia also transferred 1.75 hectares to the Town of Gandia. The municipality of Gandia is planning measures to promote integration with existing port activities, while also showcasing the historic hangars.

Bays West is one of Sydney’s major urban regeneration projects. The precinct is still home to port activities, but many have now become obsolete and a significant part of the site is now off-limits to the public. The project aims to create a mixed-use district combining a sustainable working port redeveloped around the blue economy, and urban planning focused on nature, culture, and showcasing heritage assets such as the old coal-fired power station. The creation of new public spaces will be one of the first phases, along with new connections to the rest of the city, including a new metro station. The strategic plan for Bays West was put to community consultation until 29 April.