With a worrying recent study by the Institute for Research and Development (IRD) showing that the annual duration of coastal flooding has doubled since 1993, it is vital for port cities to adapt to the capricious whims of the oceans. Storms and submersive waves can be tamed using new techniques, and this is a real market for innovative businesses. In the Spanish city of Vigo, the firm ECOncrete is building a new concrete breakwater that is compatible with marine wildlife. Anti-submersion structures can house breeding grounds and shelters for fish and crustaceans. An important initiative, particularly given that multi-purpose installations are a fundamental principle for AIVP!

Sunny weather and less Covid restrictions to social life invite people to enjoy the rich port city landscape and cultural offer. The Port of Antwerp (Belgium) just launched the “Port Summer” program, including many activities such as hiking and cycling tours in the port territory, the Portopolis exhibition to discover the port, musical tours, Shipspotting or Street art workshop. In Paris (France), urban art is also the topic of a new cultural event. “Libres ensemble” includes five monumental works in the heart of the banks of the Seine River on more than 1500 m² and five emblematic sites. In Livorno (Italy) the port authority is organizing three days of special events and visits to celebrate the reopening of the former granary silo, helping the city to rediscover one of its symbols. Promoting and valorising the port cultural heritage is also one of the themes of the Smart Port Challenge of Marseilles (France), where participants can present their ideas until June 27th. Finally, no port city summer is completed without a boat tour of the port, as the new one presented in Amsterdam (The Netherlands), or in Strasbourg (France).

Two winning candidates have been announced for the redevelopment of the site and this waterfront district close to the city centre. “LaX”, a proposal by a team of British architects, will turn the former shipyard into a creative hub for the 21st century maritime industry, focusing on development of marine renewables, electric ships, green marine products, etc. The buildings will be integrated into the urban environment and new pedestrian and cycle routes are planned. “A Living District”, designed by Danish architects OS arkitekter, will make the area a compact, multi-purpose district.

The Harbour Experience Centre is now under construction in the Maasvlakte2 district, and should open its doors in 2024. It will replace “FutureLand”, the temporary information centre opened in 2009, and will include five floors of exhibition spaces for visitors to explore, up to the roof terrace. The building was designed by MVRDV to be carbon neutral. Perhaps a future candidate for the “Port Center by AIVP” label?