The Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras (Spain) has identified a company and awarded them the technical assistance for the content exhibition and museography for the Port Museum and the Interpretation Center (Port Center). This is the next step following a public consultation process surrounding the project. The future port center will allow visitors to see historical heritage, understand ongoing port activities, and even experience the port through a digital game. This is in line with the AIVP’s intention surrounding the Port Center concept. The Port Center building will also have spaces for workshops and meetings, a cafeteria, and an auditorium. The aim is that the building will have almost zero energy consumption.

Local lawmakers are aiming high with their waterfront redevelopment plan in the river port city of Vancouver, which stands opposite Portland, Oregon (United States). The State Legislature has expanded the tax increment scheme, a tax credit-style mechanism specific to the United States, designed to provide rapid and efficient financing for projects. Several local lawmakers were present at the official launch of the initiative, in partnership with the Director of the Port of Vancouver. All of the land to be redeveloped and made “accessible to the community” is within the port complex.

The California Transportation Commission (United States), an independent body responsible for awarding State funds, has approved a $42 million grant to a group led by the Port of Oakland, with the support of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. The aim is to install a microgrid separate from the power network serving the rest of California, to meet the power needs of ships docked at the port or fast charging for heavy vehicles. The Port of Oakland aims to increase its capacity to 1,000 electric trucks. This includes not only vehicles operating exclusively within the port complex, but also transit vehicles running between the port and the hinterland.

Singapore has been facing some human resource concerns but remains a leading maritime hub, partially thanks to a very supportive government. Regarding the human resource concerns, the SAILMAP project will train 50 new seafarers each year for 10 years, with a monetary reward of $50,000 for completing certain milestones, to improve retention rates and keep talent in the maritime sector. There are also discussions to start the promotion of the industry earlier in schools and to facilitate immigration for people working in the sector by the government. The Port Authority of Singapore is also supporting the growth of the maritime sector’s technology and innovation by investing in more than 50 startups with a SEEDS capital of $36 million.

The Liverpool City region (United Kingdom) and the city of Busan (South Korea) have signed a cooperation agreement to support each other through trade and knowledge exchange in the sustainable and innovative development of their coastal cities. The cooperation deal between the two port cities covers digital innovation, smart cities, clean energy, and health. The five-year deal aims to strengthen links between the two cities and raise their international profile. It also includes scientific research and development programmes building on each city’s expertise. One specific area of focus is port regeneration and culture.