The lightest element in the universe is proving controversial. Hydrogen will be central to a new logistics chain by 2030, the Korean shipbuilding giant Hyunday Heavy has just announced. An alternative fuel that will further efforts to achieve “zero carbon”, hydrogen requires special production processes involving electrolysis of water molecules. The port authority North Sea Port (Belgium) is set to create a European hydrogen hub on the Belgian-Dutch border. In addition, the H2 Gate project will make Amsterdam (Netherlands) another supply hot spot. However, the “Getting to Zero” coalition has pointed out a drawback, namely that fully-hydrogen powered ships will not be possible until the battery issue is resolved. Once again, there is no miracle solution!

Citizens’ inputs are essential for a renewed port-city governance. Aivp defends this point in Goal 4 of the Agenda 2030, but we can also see concrete examples among our members. Dublin Port Company (DPC), in Ireland, has invited individuals and organisations to present alternative views on how the port should be developed post-2040. Alternative ideas can be shared until the end of June 2021. In San Diego (USA), the Port Authority has invited the public to review and provide feedback on Maritime Clean Air Strategy Discussion (MCAS) Draft. Additional community and stakeholder feedback is expected to improve the document. In Le Havre, France, the Port Authority launched a new stage of the voluntary consultation process concerning the Improved river access to Port 2000. The process will continue until Autumn 2021. In Vancouver, Canada, there is also a public consultation happening, concretely, the 2nd phase of the Holdom Overpass. The process will have a 3rd phase later this year. Finally, for a better port-city governance, transparency is crucial, as the port of Halifax (Canada) is showing in the latest video, where they explain the importance of the Port Community Liaison Committee, and its mission with the testimonies of the Chair and the CEO.

The five giant cranes known as the “Elegants” have been refurbished after three years of work and more than one million euros invested. These giants, more than 40 metres high, were put into service in 1961 in order to accompany the development of the port activity and are emblematic elements of the Marseille postcard. The decision to recover them was taken in 2018, as part of the port’s Heritage Plan. The cranes will remain as a symbol of history of the city and Marseille’s exceptional industrial heritage.

Following the agreement signed in 2020, the Regional Government of Andalusia, the Port and City of Algeciras are continuing to work on the “Lago Marítimo” project to transform a key district of the port city, the “Llano Amarillo”. The University of Cadiz is also playing a part in the project. The plans include a port museum and Port interpretation centre (a Port Center), a port logistics innovation centre, the University of the Sea, spaces for sports and leisure activities for residents, and green spaces.

The Government of New South Wales wants to redevelop the West Bay district and create housing, parks, a technology hub, and other facilities. For the Planning Minister, White Bay cruise terminal poses a real problem and solutions are needed to integrate it more effectively, or relocate it. The Minister believes the White Bay site will be a real test for a new vision for Sydney, the place set aside for public spaces, soft modes of transport (walking, cycling), heritage, and indigenous values. The White Bay project is up for consultation for the next six months.