The city of Saint John (Canada) is developing a plan to transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Community Energy Action Plan will prioritize actions linked to renewable energy, greener infrastructure and transportation, and organic waste reduction. The Port of Saint John has recently expanded its capacity through the addition of two new cranes and an investment of $200 million into the modernization of the port and the waterfront in general. Many of the projects going on in and around the port-city of Saint John are presented in both the Port’s podcast and in the Port Pod, a seasonal education hub similar to a Port Center. Located in the AREA506 Container Village, it is collaborating with the local economic development agency to welcome both local and cruise visitors to learn about its port-city.   

During the 80^th gathering of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), the International Martime Organization adopted the 2023 Strategy on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships. With a target to reach net-zero by 2050, several indicative checkpoints were also identified: international shipping should achieve reductions of 20% striving for 30% by 2030, and 70% striving for 80% by 2040 compared to 2008 levels. The agreement also identifies an aim for low-carbon and zero-carbon fuels uptake by 2030 and plans to set Carbon levies in the future. While the agreement provides much needed checkpoints for the following decades, the International Council of Clean Transportation argues that under this agreement, international shipping will exceed its 1.5°C carbon budget by 2032.

A conference has been held in Antwerp (Belgium) to provide more details on plans to merge the two existing ‘Port Center’ type establishments: the Portopolis and the Haven Centrum. The Province of Antwerp and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges are set to work together on a new educational project. The interpretation centre will feature treasure hunt-style games, fun workshops, and activity trails. It will immerse visitors in the port world, making it more attractive to younger people. The new centre is due to open in 2026, on a 1,500 m2 site in the Droogdokkenpark, a park between the city centre and the headquarters of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.

The future terminal G, on the Adossat pier, will be a model of sustainable development. It was awarded the ESPO prize in 2022. AIVP was part of the jury that selected the Port of Barcelona (Spain). The project follows an extensive consultation process with the Municipality of Barcelona, which expressed a wish for stopovers by cruise ships to be relocated and for the existing quay to be made more accessible to the public. The new terminal will be powered by renewable energy and will be connected with the city centre and the airport by shuttle services. The aim is to increase the proportion of cruises starting from Barcelona from the current level of 60%, as this is thought to be more beneficial for the local economy.