The historic port city of Padang (Indonesia) has recently renovated Muaro Port, which is part of Padang’s old colonial town. At the height of the trading period, the waterfront along the Batang Arau River was dotted with logistics offices and warehouses. However, the port infrastructure was abandoned after it lost its relevance. Today, the old port buildings are owned by the Indonesia Trading Company (PPI), which also supports their renovation and maintenance. The project is part of a larger regional master plan for port revitalization, led by the Indonesian Port Authority (PELINDO), which will also transform the coastal area and the Batang Arau River delta into a major transportation hub. Plans include the development of a maritime center and facilities for cruise ship docking.

In mid-July, the Flemish government (Belgium) approved the Waasland Port Access Project. It is part of the larger “ECA” (Extra Container Handling Capacity Antwerp) project, which aims to increase container handling capacity in the port. A new access road will be built to the west of the Port of Waasland for three modes of transport: road, rail and bicycle. This infrastructure will divert heavy port traffic away from the surrounding residential areas. An important element is the construction of a 5-kilometre-long landscaped buffer zone, which will eventually be transformed into an 11-kilometre greenway. This buffer zone reduces nuisances for local residents, protects the polder landscape, and provides new space for recreation and biodiversity.

A recent coral reef study conducted at Hambantota International Port’s (HIP)(Sri Lanka) breakwater by the Ocean University of Sri Lanka has revealed that around 35% of the observed coral coverage in the area is live. The university team studied the port’s semi-artificial reef system, which is situated within a high-security, low-disturbance zone, allowing coral larvae to successfully settle and grow. Other coral reef sites in Sri Lanka have seen live coral coverage drop below 20% due to various stressors. At the reef, researchers recorded several species of hard and soft corals, sponges, and over 20 species of reef-associated fish. The study aligns with HIP’s broader ESG strategy. The research team will publish a book on their findings. 

The Port of Algeciras (Spain) is advancing a comprehensive decarbonization plan aligned with the UN 2030 SDGs and the EU Fit for 55 Strategy, targeting climate neutrality by 2050 and a 70% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (Scopes 1–3) by 2030 versus 2019. The strategy is structured around four main action areas: renewable energy, with solar photovoltaic projects and supply of 100% green electricity; energy efficiency, through optimization of operations and equipment; electrification of port activity, including onshore power supply (OPS) for ships and electrified fleets; and the decarbonization of transport, by fostering alternative fuels such as LNG, green hydrogen, methanol, ammonia, and biofuels. Together, these pillars strengthen Algeciras’ leadership in sustainable port management.

European ports are increasingly adopting solar power to cut costs and emissions. In Portsmouth (UK), rooftop panels have saved nearly £140,000, covering 21% of annual electricity demand. In Germany, the port and city of Duisburg collaborated through “Solarport” to build two photovoltaic plants totalling 2 MW. In Spain, the BilbOPS project by the Port Authority of Bilbao awarded €11.5 million for constructing four plants at the Basque port. In Portugal, Galp Energia and the Port of Lisbon launched a pilot using flexible solar panels to generate 70 MWh annually. In France, Port-en-Bessin’s fish auction hall installed 1,000 m² of panels, meeting 20% of its electricity needs, illustrating renewable energy adoption across European ports and their benefits for port cities.