As part of its “Refreshing City” initiative launched in 2023, the Bordeaux Metropolitan Authority (France) is on the verge of acquiring the Ile d’Arcins, a 37-hectare island in the Garonne River. The island will be turned into a nature reserve and opened to the public for a few months each year. The investment aims to help protect this unique natural heritage, while also adapting the city to high temperatures and climate change by offering a new space for citizens to cool off. Before the site opens, studies will be carried out to determine what conservation measures will be taken, and what activities will be permitted there.

The investigation into the accident between the ship Dali and the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore (USA) is ongoing. Our first thoughts are with the victims and their families. In material terms, this disaster will be one of the most costly in maritime history: between $2 and $4 billion in damage. In 1977, when the bridge was built, the largest container ship had a capacity of 3,500 containers. Vessel sizes have increased dramatically: the Dali can carry 9971 containers, and the world record stands at 24,346 containers. The bridge builders could not have imagined that the fleet would grow so fast. Local residents face the consequences of the accident. River crossing times have been extended from 5 to 45 minutes. Hundreds of jobs could be lost as the port is immobilized. The Francis Scott Bridge was a symbol of the city, appearing on representations of its skyline. Featured in the cult TV series “The Wire”, it was a landscape landmark for Baltimorians. This episode illustrates the vital yet often ignored link between everyday life and globalization, between city and port.

Traffic congestion is a major problem for port cities. Spanish ports are looking for intermodal solutions to reduce truck-related congestion. The “logistics activity zone” (ZAL) in Valencia (Spain) could perhaps improve the road situation, as well as optimizing port performance. Parking facilities will be provided for trucks, which will be able to join the bypass road around the city center. Goods can then be transshipped to other modes, such as rail. Such facilities already exist in Barcelona, Seville and Algeciras, where they have generated new jobs.

Ten major organizations, led by the World Shipping Council, have allied to combat illegal wildlife trafficking in global supply chains, with a focus on the maritime sector. The massive volume of trade carried by sea has made it possible for illegal wildlife trafficking to proliferate. It is estimated that 72-90% of illegally trafficked wildlife is smuggled via the shipping industry. To address this issue, guidelines will be established for supply chain partners that include questions to identify illegal wildlife trading, advice on reporting suspicious activity, and practical steps that can be taken to prevent wildlife trafficking. The Joint Industry Rules for Combatting Illegal Wildlife Trafficking will supplement existing International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations by providing specific recommendations for private sector stakeholders.

Following the historical agreement achieved in Valparaíso, two national associations of port cities hosting public and private ports, have presented to the president of the Republic a request to extend the same agreement to the entire country. The agreement of Valparaíso is considered a role model for other port cities, establishing the guidelines to balance port development with investments on the waterfront and new public spaces. Additionally, the Iquique agreement, also addresses the issue of the registration and payment of fees of logistic companies, the municipal representation in the board of port authorities, the inclusion on public representatives in the decision-making processes, and the payment of a municipal tax to compensate the negative externalities. Both organizations also expressed their support for the National Port Logistics Policy and highlighted the importance of the sector for country’s development.