Every year, the port authority of Long Beach (United States) sets aside space in its Civic Center for award-winning amateur photographers. A special day is held, during which the budding shutterbugs are taken on a cruise tour of the port, giving them the opportunity to capture exceptional pictures of the infrastructures and ships. The competition winners are chosen by a jury and presented with a check for up to $1,000, while their work is exhibited for a month, giving them unique visibility.

The Regional Port Society of Buenaventura (Colombia) welcomed 11th grade students through Buenaventura Bay Knowledge and Innovation Center to tour the maritime terminal. The students learned about the processes that take place in a terminal for the advancement of foreign trade and strengthening the local and regional GDP. The Buenaventura Bay Knowledge and Innovation Center was set up by the port society to consolidate itself as a benchmark for territorial development based on education with stakeholders and the community in general. The Port Society deems it of utmost importance to educate and stimulate the interest of youths in maritime sector vocations.

A new public space was opened at the Old Port of Barcelona (Spain) on November 2nd, providing a gateway between the port and the city. It is located on an old breakwater that runs alongside the Marina Vela. The project, which cost over 5 million euros, includes a rambla (wide avenue), a building with a “gastronomy zone”, and a viewing platform with panoramic vistas of the port. In addition to the rambla, a pedestrian cultural trail was created, showcasing the history of the breakwater and the port more generally.

Feasibility studies have begun in preparation for a major redevelopment projects at the ports of the Northern Adriatic Port System Authority. The Port Authority’s President says the challenge is to balance emerging port needs with traditional port requirements. Among other things, this means opening up the port to everyday activities in the city, and potentially moving some legacy port activities out of interface zones. While waiting for the redevelopments to take shape, the ports of Venice and Chioggia organized Open Port Days throughout October. A variety of events were held to introduce different audiences to the ports’ activities, and stimulate discussion.