The ‘Môle des Torpilles’, an abandoned building that stands at the entrance to Toulon harbour and was once used by the French navy to test torpedoes, is to be converted into a wellness and cultural centre, including a restaurant with 360° views. At the former military site, a spectacular redevelopment is planned with cultural installations in the old seaplane hangar, a conference centre, a luxury 105-room hotel, and four office buildings. The plan will use marine thermal energy and solar power, and is expected to cost a total of 150 million euros.

The architectural design competition has been launched to find solutions for developing cultural and leisure uses in Makasiiniranta, the last remaining zone occupied by the former port. Residents have until 16 January 2022 to give their verdict on the nine different proposals. In March, four teams will be shortlisted by the jury, and residents will then be consulted a second time. The winner will be announced in autumn 2022.

Every year, some 12 million tourists visit the new waterfront in Seattle, State of Washington (USA). No fewer than 850,000 of them stop by the city’s aquarium, which has a fine reputation for raising public awareness about the important of protecting marine species. Over the next five years, the port is set to invest $5 million to co-fund plans to expand the aquarium, which will be renamed “Ocean Pavilion”. A MoU was signed in December 2021 by the chairman of the port committee and the CEO of the aquarium, to pave the way for a long-term collaboration. It represents an opportunity to highlight the port authority’s efforts in favour of the environment, but also to promote synergies between port innovation and the natural sciences.