Greener ports are gradually taking shape, supported at all levels of governance, from local port authorities to national governments. In Greece, the Ministry of Environment and Energy is prioritizing cold ironing infrastructure to meet EU 2030 climate targets. The shift to cold ironing was adopted by the European Union in July 2023 as part of the Fit for 55 package. In Scotland, the Port of Aberdeen now supplies green shore power as part of the UK-funded ZEVI program, which aims for net-zero emissions by 2040. Across other seas, Pilbara Ports Authority’s Clean Fuel Bunkering Hub roadmap supports Australia’s decarbonization and aligns with its 2050 emissions target. This follows the world’s first ship-to-ship ammonia transfer trial in the Port of Dampier in September 2024.

The Port of Seville (Spain) is boosting its appeal to tourists by developing a new visitor program. This initiative is being developed in partnership with Engranajes Culturales, a local mediation and cultural management company. To highlight the city’s maritime and port tradition, the program includes visits to the Port Museum and port facilities, the docks, the lock, and the logistics and industrial zones. Stops will be made in the Batán logistics district, opposite the container terminal and passing through the Astilleros industrial estate. At the same time, there are leisure activities for all ages to rediscover the thousand-year-old origins of the port, a bridgehead for maritime trade with India and the starting point for the first round-the-world voyage. There are three types of visits: free visits, group visits, and weekend visits with a family option.

In a former port area of Stockholm’s Frihamnen district (Sweden), a designer-led initiative, approved by the municipality, aims to enhance a transitional public space by repurposing construction waste. Formerly a free port, the district has since become a site for depositing construction industry waste. On a vacant lot, designer Nicholas Niemen has created a high-quality public space using materials available on-site. The site’s barriers, beams, and concrete pieces have been repurposed into benches and tables for use by residents and workers during their breaks. This initiative is a fine example of the circular economy in action and the temporary activation of public space while the neighborhood awaits renovation in the coming decades.

New York City (USA) and the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYC EDC) will remove the decommissioned Vernon C. Bain Correctional Center barge to establish the Hunts Point Marine Terminal as a Blue Highways facility. This terminal aims to facilitate freight movement, create 400 construction jobs and 100 permanent jobs, and generate $3.9 billion in economic impact over 30 years. It is expected to eliminate 9,000 monthly truck trips, reducing congestion. Additional investments will enhance the local bike network and waterfront access, while the Economic Mobility Network will connect residents to training and jobs at the Food Distribution Center. Future steps include community consultations and land remediation.

After the presentation at the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) on June 11, 2025, Ifremer (France) issued a white paper outlining the future of France’s oceanographic fleet, along with twenty other strategic recommendations. These range from the renewal of vessels to a hybrid design combining wind and electric propulsion, which is expected to cut fleet emissions in half by 2050. It was also announced that Airbus would be transitioning its cargo ships to wind-assisted propulsion, with two new vessels, powered by methanol and Flettner rotors, set to replace the Ville de Bordeaux by 2026. This plan aligns with the broader lineup of sail-powered shipping from the Port of Nantes–Saint-Nazaire, including Neoline’s Neoliner Origin, which is set to begin sea trials this month.

Ports around the world are welcoming the summer season and inviting everyone to join the celebrations. The old port area Hafen 2 in Offenbach (Germany) organizes Hafenkino, an open-air cinema overlooking the active Offenbach port, which runs from June until August 2025. Another festivity organized by the Port of Los Angeles (USA), Cars & Stripes Forever!, will take place on June 27 at the LA Waterfront, featuring live music and a classic car display. Meanwhile, in Europe, the canal in the center of Brussels (Belgium) is hosting Quai d’été from July 3 to 13. At the old port of Marseille (France), the municipality organized a family-friendly fair and concert during the French Fête de la Musique on June 21.