The Port of Lisbon (Portugal) opened on April 8^th a new space dedicated to the disclosure of the panels of painter Almada Negreiros and the historical value of the passenger terminals of Alcântara and Rocha Conde d’Obidos. The new space, in the Alcântara Maritime Station, is the result of a cooperation agreement signed in 2024 between the Port Authority and the Lisbon Tourism Association. In order to open the new center and facilitate access to the general public, there was an investment of €3,5 M. The exhibition shows the artistic process and the relevant role this infrastructure played during the 20th century. The panels were also restored with the support of the World Monuments Fund. Tickets for the interpretation center cost €5, including the shuttle connecting the two maritime stations. A new restaurant in the stations will also soon opens its doors with providing privileged views of the port.

Approved by the MEPC, the IMO has established legally binding measures towards its Net-Zero Framework, including a fuel standard for ships and a global pricing mechanism for emissions. These measures, set to enter into force in 2027, will become mandatory for large ocean-going ships over 5,000 gross tonnage. Ships must reduce their annual greenhouse gas fuel intensity, and those emitting above these thresholds will have to acquire remedial units to balance their deficit emissions. At the same time, those using zero GHG technologies will be eligible for financial rewards. The IMO estimates $13 billion in revenue annually from the fees, which will go towards the net zero fund to invest in fuels and technologies needed to transition to green shipping, reward low-emission ships and support developing countries.

From 14 to 18 May, the city of Bordeaux (France) will organize the first edition of a new festival dubbed “Traverse” (Crossing), in collaboration with the port of Bordeaux. The event will celebrate the rivers of the Gironde department with four major themes: the river of tomorrow, the river of ideas, the lesser-known river, and the well-travelled river. There will be workshops, illuminations, exhibitions, and tours dedicated to each of the themes. The initiative aims to raise public awareness about the issues facing the Garonne and Dordogne rivers and explain why they are so important, while encouraging people to think about the place of rivers in the urban environment.

In early April, the Port of San Diego Port (United States), the City of Chula Vista, and representatives from local organizations gathered for the official opening of Sweetwater Park. It is now the Port’s largest park with some 15 hectares of land, and with its location adjacent to a wildlife sanctuary, it aims to show maximum respect for the local natural environment. For residents living in local communities, the park represents a new way to access the waterfront. Landscape architects KTUA were handed the contract to design the new space, and held consultations with neighbouring communities to ensure the final project met local people’s needs without harming the environment. The development cost just under $20m, with part of the funding provided by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The park is part of the Chula Vista Bayfront redevelopment led by the city and the port in collaboration.

On April 11th, a business consortium including Shiroten 10, Restauración Forty Gestión, and Yansika Holding won the contract from the Port Authority of Alicante (Spain) to operate Quay 12. The project represents the next stage in the transformation of the Volvo area, with 8,000 m² of space dedicated to cultural regeneration. The consortium’s “Ocean Live” project was chosen for its versatile design and use of recycled materials. The new seafront cultural venue will host music, leisure, and restaurants, with around forty events already scheduled.

As part of the EU’s initiative to achieve its river and ocean sustainability goals, they have developed the “#MakeEUBlue” campaign. This campaign invited citizens to sign a petition to make their cities take action to address aquatic ecosystem challenges. The campaign outlines 10 action points cities can implement or develop other solutions that adapt to their local context. From reducing waste and bringing ‘blue’ education to schools to engaging with citizens, cities can determine the best fit according to their needs. Cities are encouraged to propose additional actions and share them with the EU. The actions taken by cities will be given visibility during events such as the 2025 European Maritime Days and the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3).