The Port of Dublin (Ireland) has started its period of public consultation for the 3FM project, focused on the Poolbeg Peninsula, which aims to deliver 20% of the capacity required by the port for 2040. The period of public consultation will be open until April 28^th and will include Public Information Days in Poolbeg, Ringsend and Clontarf. The 3FM project was mandated through Ireland 2040 and consists of 7 parts that aim to increase the port’s capacity. It also aims to facilitate the reintegration of the Port with Dublin City by improving access to the waterfront and creating greener port-city interface zones. Citizens will benefit from a Port Park, new and improved pedestrian and cycle routes, and 10 km of greenways.

The city of Toronto, Canada, remains committed to enhance its central waterfront, continuing the long-term plan started in 1988. The local government has announced a new five-year investment program totaling $160 million. Among the key projects are the new ferries, shoreline infrastructure, including electrical power supply in the ferry terminal, several parks and two community centers. Several of these projects are already ongoing and will be completed in 2023 or 2024. The main goal is to continue the legacy of the project and to ensure liveable, sustainable and connected communities along Toronto’s central waterfront. This plan includes collaboration with the central and provincial governments as well as with waterfront’s partners.

A 45 hectare brownfield site at the Verdon-sur-Mer terminal at Grand Port Maritime de Bordeaux (GPMB) (France) was previously used for fuel storage. Following a call for tenders, EDF Renouvelables won a contract to build a solar plant with a maximum capacity of 52MWc on the site. GPMB’s management emphasises the symbolism of turning a location formerly used for hydrocarbons into a low carbon power plant. The electricity generated will be distributed locally to industrial operators based at GPMB’s seven port terminals.

The Port of Palma (Spain) is supporting the “Plastic Free Ocean” movement, improving its water quality and reducing plastic use and litter. One project has removed 10 000 kg of plastics from the sea and upcycled the majority of fishing nets to urban furniture for use in Palma. The second project installed a filtered water station in Port of Mahon to allow people to refill their bottles, avoiding single-use bottles. Another project seeks to transform the grey marine infrastructures of the ports of Palma and Eivissa into blue oases. This aims to promote biodiversity regeneration and will increase the capacity of the sea to absorb CO2.

Ports are increasingly working together to tackle the climate emergency, and the general public are reaping the benefits. Through hands-on projects like “GreenVoyage2050”, for example, the port of Singapore and the Norwegian climate ministry will provide assistance to other ports that are not as far advanced along the path to decarbonisation. The IMO has signed a MoU with these essential stakeholders. Governments are also joining forces with the private sector to accelerate innovation. In response to the Franco-British deal struck by Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron for a green corridor in the English Channel, ferry operator DFDS is aiming to cut its CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030. Finally, a transformation is needed in North-South trade, which “outsources” pollution to emerging countries. Under the aegis of the Global Maritime Forum, a South African mining consortium is launching plans for a green corridor to Saldanha Bay (South Africa). Bulk carriers using this route should be able to use alternative fuels such as green ammonia.