The European Union (EU) presented on February 26^th 2025, the Clean Industrial Deal (CID), its plan to boost industrial competitiveness while accelerating decarbonization. It targets energy-intensive industries and clean tech, aiming to lower energy costs, increase demand for clean products, and mobilize over €100 billion for green manufacturing. Measures include regulatory simplifications, financing mechanisms, circular economy initiatives, and global trade partnerships. It also emphasizes skills development and fair competition. The deal ensures Europe’s commitment to becoming a decarbonized economy by 2050 while strengthening its industrial base. European ports, led by the Ports of Rotterdam (The Netherlands) and Antwerp (Belgium), have expressed their support for the CID, expecting further concrete development.

When Cyclone Garance struck Réunion (France) on Thursday 27 February, with gusts of up to 150 km/h, readiness measures meant the island’s main port was able to restore service within four days. Normal operations were resumed almost immediately, thanks to a three-phase security plan (preparation, management, assessment & repair) activated when the meteorological service Météo France issued its early warning. All port facilities with the potential to be blown away or cause damage were secured and activity halted before the cyclone’s arrival, minimizing losses and risks to workers. The plan is a good example of resilient port strategy in response to growing climate risks.

Since the 2022 revision of the port and harbor law, Japanese local governments can lease port green areas to private businesses, allowing them to develop the spaces into attractive destinations while supporting the maintenance and management of the facilities with the income. Several ports have already launched projects: the Port of Kobe is installing a private multipurpose arena, while Osaka Port will create a campground with vehicle access for flying cars. In December 2024, the land ministry hosted a meeting to discuss the utilization of the PPP system to revitalize the Tennozu area of Shinagawa waterfront in Tokyo. Ten local governments attended the meeting, and a local developer proposed using wooden containers to create lodgings and spaces for artists.

Porto Itapoá (Brazil) has reused over 1 million liters of water in its warehouse operations since January 2024. This is driven by the port’s Water Reuse Station, which was integrated into the expansion of the terminal. It treats up to 10 m³ of water per day, repurposing it for key operations such as facility cleaning, waste management, and restroom supply. The terminal’s water management efforts extend beyond reuse through its Effluent Treatment Station, which processes more than 7 million liters of wastewater annually. The system was upgraded in 2022 to meet industry standards, with a capacity of up to 70,000 liters per day. Porto Itapoá is now exploring ways to repurpose this treated water for additional operations.

A “Port-City working group” has been created as part of the Board for the Promotion of the Barcelona Port Community (Spain). It aims to advise and issue recommendations to encourage closer cooperation between public and private institutions concerned in the port zone. It will also promote measures to integrate the port and its activities into the urban landscape more smoothly, along with sustainable port development, heritage preservation, and the adoption of innovative solutions for both the city and the port. Meanwhile, Port Vell has officially opened Fishers’ Wharf, a huge renovation project that includes a new fish market. The existing hangars will eventually be fitted with solar panels generating close to 376 MWh of electricity annually. With a budget of over €20M, the project will strengthen links between the historic maritime district of La Barceloneta, and Ciutat Vella, the old city centre.