The operator of terminal two at the port of Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) has secured EDGE certification in recognition of its installations’ energy efficiency performance. EDGE, standing for “Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies”, covers buildings including workshops, offices, and warehouses. In order to meet the high standards required, EDGE-certified buildings must be at least 23% more energy efficient than conventional buildings. The port authority of Abidjan believes making its activities more environmentally friendly will help it gain a competitive advantage over its regional rivals, and is keen to encourage its operators to adopt more sustainable practices.

A delegation led by Philippe, King of the Belgians, made an official visit to Walvis Bay (Namibia) accompanied by senior executives from the port of Antwerp-Bruges and firms in Belgium’s maritime industry. While there, he met with the Namibian President, Nangolo Mbumba. It was announced that a deal had been reached with Namport for the development of a new €250 million export terminal for green ammonia and green hydrogen. Belgian company CMB will partner with Namibian conglomerate Ohlthaver & List to carry out the work under a joint venture. With a plentiful supply of solar energy and vast amounts of land, Namibia is seen as having strong potential for clean fuel production.

With the port of Singapore’s three main terminals set to be relocated to Tuas in 2027, local authorities are looking at how the area should be redeveloped after the move is complete. Discussions are currently focusing on what will become of the industrial buildings, which will lose their primary function. Some are seen as having heritage value and could potentially be retained, but it remains to be seen which buildings will be kept and what they might ultimately be used for. The Pulau Brani terminal is expected to become a tourist destination in the next few decades, while the Prima flour mill could also be retained and converted. These port districts are home to part of the country’s industrial and social history, and relocating the industrial activities could provide an opportunity to showcase that heritage.

The world-famous architectural firm won the competition to design the new passenger and ro-ro cargo terminal Riga Ropax Terminal in Latvia. The next step in the development of the terminal project will be the development of a construction project with the aim of opening its doors to passengers in 2028. The new infrastructure will be key for attracting cruises and tourists, as well as restoring regular ferry connections and creating new public spaces by the water. The new project will include several strategies to reduce its energy consumption and be environmentally friendly, such as reusing on-site concrete structures as well as local materials from recycled and renewable sources. The Freeport of Riga Authority will start the first stage of the project under its responsibility – reconstruction of the historic ED levee and deepening of the navigation channel.

The Brazilian state of Rio Grande du Sul experienced major flooding, heavily impacting the local population and the port of Rio Grande. The unprecedented climate event, which left entire towns under water and destroyed critical infrastructure in the capital and rural areas, also killed livestock and caught farmers in the final stages of the corn and soy harvests. Anec, an association representing global grain exporters, stated that road and rail links to a major grains port in southern Brazil have been disrupted by the impact of heavy floods. Road blockades forced trucks loaded with grains to travel an extra 400 kilometers through alternative routes to reach the port, increasing freight costs, pollution, and traffic problems. Inchcape Shipping Services has claimed that the ports of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande, and Tramandai were completely shut down due to river levels being 5m higher than usual. The Santos Port Authority initiated a donation drive on May 7^th to aid victims affected by the floods.