The move represents a first for the country, and saw a visit by the Minister for Economy and Climate, Robert Habeck, alongside the Mayor of Hamburg, Peter Tschentscher. By 2026, a new port terminal will be built dedicated to importing green ammonia and turning it into hydrogen. This alternative fuel will be distributed across the Hamburg region’s industrial cluster, which is increasingly using green hydrogen to reduce its carbon footprint. The terminal will be built on the site of an existing hydrocarbon storage facility. This land reconfiguration is another example of the energy transition in practice in port cities.

The city of Quebec (Canada) will share its economic and environmental experiences with the municipality of Tunis (Tunisia) to accelerate sustainable development. Between 2023 and 2026 the two municipalities will collaborate to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The primary aim is the exchange of good practices, expertise, and innovative ideas. The Organization of World Heritage Cities will support the collaboration, especially the implementation of projects focused on the preservation of natural and cultural heritage of both cities. Other projects will focus on combating climate change and economic and digital development to make Quebec and Tunis sustainable port-cities.

In partnership with the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle and other blue economy NGOs, the Port of Seattle is set to award $4.1m in grants to students and young professionals. The recipients must be aged between 16 and 24 years old. They will receive financial aid to complete an internship or will have access to coaching services, to help them get their first job in the maritime industry. The aim is to attract the younger generation to roles in ferry terminals or dockside logistics.

Passenger activities provide excellent opportunities to bring the citizens closer to the port. The case of Tallinn (Estonia) is an excellent example with its ambitious cruise terminal and public spaces project. The new terminal, including the 850-meter-long rooftop promenade, was opened in July 2021 and was one of the finalists for the 2022 ESPO Award. In October 2022 the port authority inaugurated the new town square in Tallinn’s Old City Harbour, demonstrating that it is possible to combine the port’s functions with a modern urban space. The new square, with more than more than 100 trees and 3,500 bushes will be used by passengers and citizens alike. The investment of €6,7 million also has urban mobility measures and in 2025 a new tram stop will be completed.

The controversial FIFA World Cup kicked off in Qatar on the 20th of November, amid accusations of lack of human rights and personal freedoms and the death of thousands of workers to prepare the event. However, strictly looking at technical arguments, there is one venue worth knowing for port cities actors, the Stadium 974 in Doha. This building designed by Fenwick Iribarren Architects is made of 974 shipping containers and modular steel structure and will host up to 40,000 fans during the matches. The stadium will also play a key role for the local waterfront redevelopment. Once the World Cup is finished, the structure could be dismounted and shipped to another location where new venues are needed.