Assoporti, the Italian association of Ports, has brought together experts from two of its technical groups for a meeting in Livorno (Italy). The goal was to delve into aspects of urban transformation in port-cities and to systematize the knowledge on the issues surrounding city and port integration. The event, held between January 25 and 27, also visited the Livorno Port Center to understand the topic on a local scale. For Assoporti and AIVP member the Port System Association of the Northern Tyrrhenian Sea, this subject remains important as it requires the collaboration between various institutions and actors and requires a unique expertise.

Can climate emissions in the Oslo fjord be reduced by 85% before 2030? This is the departure point for the “Emission-free Oslofjord”, an environmental collaboration between the ports of Oslo, Drammen, Moss, Borg, Larvik, Grenland, Kristiansand and Arendal (Norway). This initiative will spread knowledge about the potential for reduced emissions from maritime transport and to ease the transition from fossil fuels to renewable fuels. Among its priorities is to have shared standards for technical solutions such as shore power facilities. In 2023, Emission-free Oslofjord wants to formalize a common environmental commitment between the ports in Oslofjord and Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Antwerp, setting timelines for establishing shore power infrastructure in all ports – by 2025 in the Oslofjord and 2030 at the latest for the European ports.

The Port of Bordeaux (France) has signed an agreement with the Coastal Protection Agency and the CPIE Médoc (Permanent Centre for Environmental Initiatives) to protect 1000 ha of wetlands in northern Médoc. The Management Plan, which was signed on February 2^nd World Wetlands Day, represents a project to protect a fragile local area, promote the rehabilitation of spaces, and management of the hydraulic network. It also is a collaborative effort by the signatories to ensure that the management plan is successfully put in place.

The partnership between the Port of Tallinn (Estonia) and the energy company Utilitas Wind aims to mobilise local expertise, create non-offshorable jobs, and inject renewable electricity into the power grid. At the Paldiski South Harbour site, a 310 metre quay and a 10 hectare backland area will be created to host the construction of offshore wind turbines.  Eventually, the terminal will act as a base for the maintenance vessels serving the offshore wind platforms. For the Port of Tallinn, the project is a means of contributing to the “Republic of Estonia’s sustainable development goals”.

The Senegalese capital, which handles 85% of goods traffic destined for inland countries such as Mali, is heavily congested with trucks crossing the city on their way to and from the port.  While the port of Dakar is an important engine for the local economy, the congestion is affecting mobility and quality of life. In response, the Government has launched plans for a new port in Ndayane, 50 km to the south. A public-private agreement has apparently been struck, to enable work to begin in February 2023. Numerous challenges remain, with acceptability among expropriated people among the main issues. They claim the project is illegal and are calling for impact studies to be carried out before the work gets under way.