What could be tastier than a nice bar of chocolate? Answer: a sustainable bar of chocolate! Central to the supply network in this industry is the port of Amsterdam (Netherlands), the largest importer of cocoa in the world. A new, ultra-modern terminal is set to be built at the port. The 66,000 m² facility will be powered by solar panels mounted on the roof. Cocoa processing involves a number of different operations on mechanical conveyors, which do not always run on electricity. From now on, all of the conveyors used will be electrified. In terms of logistics, the cocoa will be shipped by barge to reprocessing sites in Zaandam and Mannheim.

Criticism of the cruise industry has come to a head in towns and cities on the Mediterranean. In 2022, the mayors of Marseille and Nice in particular have expressed concerns about the industry’s environmental impact. In response, the French Government department responsible for maritime affairs, the Secrétariat d’Etat à la Mer, has signed an environmental charter with the association representing the cruise sector. From 2023, the sulphur content of fuels will be cut. Industry professionals have committed to “adapting their activity in case of onshore pollution peaks”. Other innovations have also been suggested, such as improved on-board waste water treatment or shore power connections for vessels.

Frequent storms threaten the safety of Port-Bouët, a municipality of Greater Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire). Although the Ivorian capital is sheltered by a lagoon, Port-Bouët sits directly on the Atlantic coast. This made the new climate surveillance station that opened on 21 October all the more vital. The French Development Agency AFD is supporting the project, dubbed “Vigiclimm”, which will cover the entire coastline. It will enable local populations to seek shelter when coastal storm warnings are published, while securing critical infrastructures, including ports and airports.

The Ports of Helsinki (Finland) and Tallinn (Estonia) have collaborated to develop cargo and passenger transport connections between each other since 2011 under the TWIN PORT projects. The most recent EU Connecting Europe Facility funding provided the project with €6.8 million. Port of Helsinki will focus on providing the technical plans for the tunnel to be built in West Harbour, to centralise transport and free up urban space. Some funds will be allocated to constructing a carbon negative terminal. Port of Tallinn will improve port infrastructure in both the Muuga and Old City Harbours, the largest Estonian tourism and cargo ports, and will upgrade its ‘smart port’ gate system. This will facilitate vehicle traffic management in the port area.