The port of Tacoma (USA) has approved funding for the conceptual design of its new Port Maritime Center, which is set to house the port’s offices and a specialised public skills center. The Port is overseeing master planning for the site as a whole, including public infrastructures like pedestrian paths, a public square, waterfront access, and the installation of roof-mounted solar panels. The project is the subject of a major public consultation.

An environmental impact study has given the go-ahead for plans to extend the port and build a port tunnel in Helsinki, Finland. Mitigation measures are planned to minimize the negative impacts of the development work. The tunnel’s route is yet to be determined, but will need to take into account the disruption caused to local residents and biodiversity while work is carried out. The aim is to free up port space close to the city center and ensure smoother goods and passenger traffic.

In alignment with Miami-Dade County’s Future Ready Plan, PortMiami (USA) has launched a job development program to bolster human capital in the maritime industry. They’ve introduced an interactive website for employers and job seekers and are collaborating with private entities to establish paid apprenticeship programs for various technician roles, for example linked to diesel systems or commercial refrigeration. These efforts aim to facilitate job opportunities for residents, address employment shortages, and foster economic preparedness for the future.

6,000 solar panels will be installed on the new Alexandra Dock warehouse at the Port of Liverpool (UK). This is part of a project to install up to 63,000 solar panels on 26 buildings across the port to generate up to 25% of the port’s annual electricity needs (31MW approximately). This could reduce the port’s CO2 emissions by 6,500 tonnes annually. The project will use existing port space, with all equipment transported via sea directly. Additionally, in a second stage, five existing wind turbines on the banks of the River Mersey will be replaced by 4 new ones and connected to the port’s energy grid to supply an additional 20MW.

Dublin Port Company (Ireland) conducted a study with the University College Dublin to identify the best topography for the protection and promotion of biodiversity in Ireland and Wales. The result is that a series of concrete blocks imprinted with the topography of the shoreline of Ringaskiddy in County Cork has been deposited along the Great South Wall in Dublin to boost biodiversity and enhance the number of fish species in Dublin Port. Over the next two years, the blocks will be monitored to see what biodiversity takes up residence there. The blocks are made with eco-friendly concrete, reducing the carbon footprint of the project.