Port activities are often loud. To diminish noise pollution, Puerto Valparaiso (Chile) are introducing a campaign called “Avoid Honking”, which aims to raise awareness about using the horn around communities. The Port Authority of Rotterdam (the Netherlands) is giving a financial discount to moored vessels who release an ESI noise report with levels based on internationally accepted standards. In the New York Bight (USA), the acoustic monitoring of an offshore wind project will extend to 2028 to see the whale activity in its vicinity. These incentives aim to develop ports in harmony with their environments.

On 17 September, over 1,800 kg of waste was collected from the banks of the island of Montreal, Laval and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Launched at the initiative of the environmental association Mission 1000 tonnes, the challenge was aimed at raising awareness among the population and public sector decision-makers about pollution on the banks of the Saint Lawrence. Also, the local authorities concerned are set to redouble their waste management efforts. From 28 March 2023, restaurants in Montreal will no longer be able to sell items in single-use plastic packaging.

To celebrate their history, several administrative authorities and port cities have begun efforts to showcase their maritime heritage. To mark its 75th anniversary, the Port of Olympia (USA) has published a book looking at how it has developed since it was founded, and its role in the development of the Puget Sound region. In Bordeaux (France), the port administration has launched open days to educate the public about its installations, careers, and expertise. In Malinska-Dubaniska (Croatia), the city has opened a maritime heritage interpretation centre on its waterfront, to enhance its tourist credentials and demonstrate its connection to the sea for the general public. All of these initiatives will help to anchor maritime culture in the regions concerned, and may perhaps inspire people to seek a career in the port and maritime sector.

The port authority (HAROPA PORT), the region of Normandy and Le Havre Seine Metropolis have joined forces in the project to be developed in the Florida Dock that will include 3 new terminals and 4 venues for leisure activities. The terminals will have a combined capacity of 13500 passengers per day with a usable area of 15,000 sqm. The 4 venues include spaces for new restaurants and social gatherings, cultural events, nautical shows and Le Grand Salon, highlighting the city and the port. These venues will be connected with a vast esplanade including green areas. The project will also be environmentally friendly, with fully electrified quays, with 10 MW each, and energy positive buildings using photovoltaic panels. The construction process includes the goal as well of transporting 10% of the materials by river. The combine investment will be of 99 million €.