Port cities are at the forefront of the blue economy and in an excellent position to lead, as it is the case in Barcelona. The Port Authority recently launched the Innovation Plan with three main goals: strengthening the Port of Barcelona’s role as a driver of economic growth and recovery; driving innovation and digitization of the logistics ecosystem; and fostering synergies with the city in this area. In order to operationalize this plan, the Port Authority will also create the BCN Port Innovation Foundation, with the support of logistics and technology companies, accelerating the implementation of projects. The Innovation Plan will also promote the Blue District in the Port Vell, connected to the creation of the Blue Tech Port, the new blue economy innovation centre bringing together start-ups, large companies and maritime institutions. Blue Economy was the main topic of the 17th World Conference Cities and Ports, with a specific session available in the replay.

A common criticism of biofuels, sometimes called “agrofuels”, is that they are made from oils or cereals that could otherwise have been used for human food consumption. With hundreds of millions around the world suffering from poor nutrition, it is a not unreasonable observation. That is why the “Argent Energy” plant based at the port of Amsterdam (Netherlands) will soon be producing some 540,000 tonnes of biofuel every year, from waste vegetable oils and fat residues. Recovering these “waste” substances is a logistically complex task, which is why the plant is located at the port and has its own jetty and two docks. 

On 27 March 2022, the port of Riga announced plans to construct the new Riga RoPax Terminal. Designed with the help of SIA Metrum and R-Konsult OU, and with support from the City of Riga and the Ministry of Transport and Economy, the RoPax project consists of two separate but complementary aspects. The new terminal building will house a range of infrastructures (shopping mall, restaurants, and creative spaces), and will allow public access to the waterfront. It will also include the infrastructures needed for roll-on roll-off operations. The project is expected to improve competitiveness for the port and for Riga as a whole, with the city looking to establish itself as a major Nordic metropolis. 

The blue economy development program of the Moroccan government aims to stimulate job creation and economic growth while also improving the sustainability and resilience of natural resources and food security. The World bank has signed a $350 million loan to develop institutional frameworks, improve integrated natural resource management and strengthen sectors for a blue economy resilient to climate change in coastal areas. Another component which will be funded by this loan are the sustainable tourism and aquaculture sectors as well as vocational training linked to blue economy management.

During AIVP’s 17^th World Conference, several Moroccan representatives addressed the work that their organizations are doing to strengthen their country’s blue economy. You can find the replays and presentations here. This content is only available to those who registered for the event.

It has taken around 30 years and $1 billion, but the clean-up operation at the port of New Bedford is almost at an end, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. The site was polluted by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals as a result of the activities of two firms manufacturing electronic components from the 1930s until 1978.  PCBs were banned in the US in 1978 on health grounds (they are endocrine disruptors, and can cause cancer and other diseases).  More than 100,000 people living in a three-mile radius around the site have been affected by this pollution through fishing, which is an essential activity for the port’s economy.