The French government recently signed an investment deal with the Provence-Alps-Côte d’Azur region, with the Port of Marseille-Fos set to be the big winner. The region will receive €1.5 billion in transport funding, with a quarter of that total earmarked for the port to speed up its energy transition, improve access, and make its industrial zone more attractive. One portion of the budget will be used to create shore power facilities for ships, while another will finance improvements to the rail network in an effort to promote modal shift. Meanwhile, another electric transition project is also being rolled out in the port community. Les Terrasses du Port, a shopping center that rents port-owned land, is currently developing a methanization project to generate power locally from organic waste on the building’s rooftop.

As the nations of the world gather in Dubai (UAE) for the COP 28, the maritime industry is looking towards the Global South, meaning developing countries in Africa, South Asia, and Latin America. The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping has signed an agreement with the US and Danish governments to support the creation of green corridors in countries in the Global South. Pre-feasibility studies will be conducted in Namibia, Panama, and Fiji. The private sector will be involved in the projects put forward after the pre-feasibility phase.

During the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28), the International Maritime Organization, the Maritime Just Transition Task Force, and Lloyd’s Register Foundation announced the new project to develop a training framework to equip seafarers with skills in decarbonization. The World Maritime University (WMU), an IMO institute based in Malmö (Sweden) will provide academic expertise and help in the first roll out tests in Asia. It is planned to develop the Baseline Training Framework by mid-2025. To facilitate the uptake of technologies, fuels, and innovations by international shipping by 2030 it is necessary to offer this training. 800,000 seafarers may require additional training by the mid-2030s in order to operate vessels run on zero or near-zero-emission fuels.    

Port of Los Angeles (USA) has approved funding for two maritime education programs. The groups receiving funding are EXP, a career-training organization, and the Los Angeles Maritime Institute, which organizes youth excursions. EXP plans to use the funding on next-generation workforce development, supporting youth maritime education programs, and career preparation. Many of their students find internships or are hired at the ports of LA or Long Beach after their training. LA Maritime Institute will use the funds to provide on-the-water experiences and education for at-risk youth. These experiences are key to bringing the public closer to the harbor and achieves the port’s aim with the Community Investment Grants Program.

Port System Authority of the Eastern Ligurian Sea (Italy), responsible for the port of La Spezia, signed a contract for constructing a new cruise pier at Calata Paita, marking a significant step towards the city and port’s future development. The project, valued at 48.4 million euros and scheduled for completion in 710 days, aims to bolster La Spezia’s cruise offerings and is part of a larger plan to revitalize the waterfront for tourism. President Sommariva emphasized this endeavor as pivotal for the port’s growth, outlining its role in facilitating cruise traffic, initiating port development aligned with the Master Plan, and fostering urban spaces accessible to citizens.