A 32,700 m2 veterinary quarantine facility was inaugurated at Khalifa Port (United Arab Emirates) by the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, AD Ports Group, and Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Center. The facility aims to enhance biosecurity and food security systems and is expected to boost the trade of live animals. The strategic vision is to diversify import sources and support other supply chains while protecting human and animal health. The facility is equipped with a veterinary laboratory unit that will test whether the animals are free of pathogens and diseases and meet international health standards. The facility is projected to have an operational capacity of over one million head of livestock annually.

The new system of Port of Hueneme (USA) will consist of mobile floating barges that can place filters on ocean-going vessel stacks and filter out harmful emissions like particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen. The capture tool is designed to envelop a vessel’s smokestack, capturing particulate matter (PM) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions directly at the source. Unlike traditional shore power solutions, the system doesn’t require expensive modifications to the vessels and the barges installing the tools are powered by renewable diesel. The solution was necessitated by storm damage to Port of Hueneme’s shoreside power system in December 2023. With this solution, the Port intends to show the community that it still wishes to put their health first.

The National Port Authority of Haiti, in partnership with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), began preliminary work to regenerate the international port of Cap-Haïtien in August. The project will include renovations to the container storage yards and administrative buildings, along with improvements to energy infrastructures and various other measures. The work has been in the pipeline for over ten years, and the port has seen no major redevelopment since the early 1980s. The main objectives are to improve working conditions for port employees, make the port more attractive to the public and economic partners, and generate jobs locally. USAID is providing $20 million in funding for the project, which is expected to take two years.

The Port Authority of the Eastern Ligurian Sea (Italy) has inaugurated a new waterfront promenade in Marina di Carrara. Work was completed two months ahead of schedule in August. From the new promenade on the breakwater, which runs for over 1.2 kilometres, residents and tourists will be able to enjoy the port area and views of the Apuan Alps in the distance. Around fifty benches have been installed to allow people to sit and admire the landscape. The promenade is part of a larger waterfront development project representing an investment of more than €13 million.

After many months of great expectations, important projects transforming the waterfront, and key investments, the sailing megaevent started in Barcelona (Spain) where it will take place until the 27th of October. The America’s Cup is considered by many the third global sporting event in terms of economic impact. In this edition, it is expected to generate more than 19,000 jobs and more than 1200 million € of economic impact. The event has accelerated more than 20 key projects in the waterfront and port-city interface, with a combined investment of 120 million €, reusing or updating existing infrastructure in Port Vell. Sustainability and innovation have been two of the main drivers for the port and the city hosting this event, with concrete measures including the implementation of hydrogen supply and storage facilities for the competition’s auxiliary boat, or reusing materials, solar panels or water treatment.