Efforts to reduce the ecological impact of marinas are multiplying across French coasts. On the Atlantic, the port of L’Île-d’Yeu has introduced practical measures, such as a seawater pump for boat cleaning, and is working toward “Port Propre” (Clean Port) certification by 2026. In the Mediterranean, the Écogestes Méditerranée campaign in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur has, since 2002, encouraged boaters to adopt behaviours that protect vulnerable ecosystems, notably Posidonia oceanica meadows. Certification programs and awareness initiatives, supported by regional port unions and environmental agencies, now involve dozens of marinas. These cases highlight the increasing integration of sustainability criteria into port management.

This September, the Pavilion – Bordeaux Port Center welcomed its first school groups. Students had the opportunity to dive into the world of port activities and missions through dynamic and virtual experiences. As part of the European Heritage Days, and in partnership with the Port of Bordeaux, the Pavilion will also take visitors beyond its walls with guided tours of key sites. Highlights include the historic Bassins à Flots and a bus tour through the port area. These events aim to give audiences a fuller understanding of the port’s history, its importance, and its future.

Liaoning Port group has launched its “durian express” shipping service and started construction of the Dalian Northeast Asia Fruit Transit Center. The new service should reduce transit times at the port of Dalian (China), creating a direct maritime channel for tropical fruits from Southeast Asia to Northeast and North China. Liaoning Port Group already operates the Dayaowan Cold Chain Logistics Park, the largest of its kind at a Chinese coastal port, with a storage capacity of 400,000 metric tons. Dalian Port is also China’s second-largest banana import hub, handling around 50,000 TEUs of bananas each year, representing more than 30% of the national market share. This initiative spearheads the development of a Chinese “fruit express” network in the coming years.

The Port of Pilbara (Australia) unveiled its first-ever Climate Action Plan (2025–2030) at the end of August 2025. The document sets out a three-pillar strategy focusing on climate opportunities, resilience, and emissions reduction, illustrated by major initiatives such as the development of a clean fuel hub, green corridors, and integrated planning within the port strategy to address climate risks. Until now, the port authority pursued initiatives relating to energy efficiency and environmental management, but had never formalised a dedicated climate strategy. At the same time, the Port of Brisbane (Australia) has launched its “Vision 2060” plan, an ambitious roadmap that aims to make port infrastructure more resilient, particularly to tackle flood risks.

South Africa’s government has implemented new restrictions on Ship-to-Ship cargo transfers and bunkering off its coastline, hoping to prevent environmental damage from potential spills. The regulation bans these activities within three nautical miles of shore, aquaculture zones, and marine protected areas. To reduce the impacts on endangered penguins, bunkering in Algoa Bay will be limited to transfers to specific anchorages, and there will be seasonal restrictions on activity. Bunkering will also be prohibited if wind speeds or wave heights exceed specified limits, and only a limited number of vessels will be allowed in the bay with spill-response vessels on standby. A breach of the new regulation will be punishable with fines and imprisonment.

In Spain, the Port of Santander has installed six micro reefs made from natural materials at the Albareda quay, and Denia Port has added 10 micro reefs. In Denmark, the port of Copenhagen installed 3D printed artificial reefs to the sterile sheet piling of harbour walls, following the success seen with this method in the other Danish ports. Students have taken part by designing their own reef concepts and observing the colonisation process through live camera feeds. In Ecuador, the next phase of DP World’s Living Seawalls initiative implemented 21 eco-engineered pilings as part of its deep-water port terminal in the port of Posorja. The project includes a biological monitoring component to see the relationship between hydraulic infrastructure and marine biodiversity.