A former cement factory in Shanghai’s (China) West Bund will become a riverside leisure and culture district following a new masterplan entitled “Gate M West Bund Dream Center”, presented by world-famous architecture and planning office MVRDV. The large, historical industrial buildings will be adapted to host cultural functions, while unfinished recent constructions in the area will be transformed to welcome hotels, retail, and restoration. The new masterplan is characterized by an innovative approach to public spaces, creating a three-dimensional promenade, from the ground-level gardens to rooftops, riverbank terraces and a network of staircases and elevators.

Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority held a programme at the Port of Tema to sensitise staff and stakeholders on its Occupational Health, Safety, and Environment (OHSE) policies to ensure a safe port environment for its users. The three-day program took staff and stakeholders through different areas (e.g. the Fishing Harbour and the Golden Jubilee Terminal) of the port as well as discussed various topics to highlight the importance of port safety. Topics discussed included environmental pollution and prevention, occupational health, port security, dress code, and substance abuse. The port urged the stakeholders that participated to develop their own policies in line with the OHSE manual and enforce them to protect the environment and their workers.

The vessel dismantling site in Union Bay (Canada) is not far from a federal nature reserve. The coastal marshes in the area are a vital habitat for the reproduction of Pacific herring. Residents have set up a group to challenge the ship-breaking operation. In addition to its environmental impact, the site also poses a risk to human health, with concerns over emissions of heavy metal particulate matter. The regional district and the municipality have responded by taking the matter to court. This latest conflict between port and city underscores the urgent need for new, environmentally responsible ship recycling industries.

The port of Liège, Belgium’s largest inland port, recently unveiled two projects backed by the Walloon Region, to extend the Trilogiport container terminal and raise the bridges over the Albert canal. Both initiatives are aimed at promoting multimodal transportation (with road and rail) and the use of the waterway to ship freight. Meanwhile, construction work has begun on the harbour master’s office for the new marina, in the Rives Ardentes district. The marina will have berths for up to 80 boats. Work is expected to be completed by 2025.

Port of London Authority (UK) is launching a plan for the Thames in partnership with a coalition of terminal and vessel operators, plus other stakeholders in the local ecosystem. The plan for a carbon-neutral river identifies four priority themes: alternative fuels and infrastructure adoption, clear regulation and legislation, funding, and reliable data. Several initiatives will be deployed to support the plan, including onsite renewable energy generation at terminals, use of the river for light freight deliveries, and the introduction of hybrid vessels. The action plan covers the period 2024-2027 and is part of the “Thames 2050” vision.