Norway is investing NOK 140 million (€12 million) in twelve new research projects to improve national preparedness and societal resilience. Several initiatives focus on port and maritime security, including responses to hybrid threats in Arctic waters, protection of critical underwater and port infrastructures, renewable energy safety and crisis management. The role of society will be highlighted in the Resilient Citizenship project by NTNU, fostering citizen cooperation with authorities and NGOs to strengthen crisis management during extreme weather events. Funded by nine ministries, this cross-sectoral effort underscores the importance of collaboration between authorities, researchers, and citizens to safeguard port cities and coastal communities from evolving global risks.

The Port of Marseille Fos in France has launched the « Phare » (Lighthouse) project, a €120 million initiative combining new headquarters with the renovation of Halle J0. The 30,000 m² complex, including 8,800 m² of office space, will be delivered in three phases between 2028 and 2030. The project reflects the port’s commitment to modernity, sustainability, and stronger connections with the city. This commitment is also evident at the Port Center Marseille. Just one year after opening, it welcomed its 10,000th visitor and has become a key destination for learning about maritime professions, particularly through the BIMER (Sea Initiation Certificate) program.

The port of Antwerp-Bruges (Belgium) took it to the virtual world to advertise its premises to a younger public and developed “The Riftmaster”, an add-on to the online video game Fortnite. Players can explore the port and its career opportunities, linking the virtual experience to real life through tournaments at events such as Students on Stage (September 22) and Student Welcome Bruges (September 25). In July, the Port of Bellingham (USA) organised a scavenger hunt for an 808-pound “Disco Duck” created by local artist Wayne Kangas. Participants who found the duck could take a photo and tag the Port on social media to win a prize. Due to be moved every three months, the shiny bird should find a new spot on the port any time now.

The Port of Barcelona’s board of directors (Spain) approved a public tender for the construction of a hydrogen station to produce and supply green hydrogen to trucks, buses, and port machinery. Using electrolysers powered by 100% renewable energy, the facility should have a minimum production capacity of 2 MW and will include a mobile unit to help across the terminals and logistics areas. Meanwhile, Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) (Germany) has started testing its first hydrogen-powered straddle carrier at the Container Terminal Tollerort, a part of the Hanseatic Port’s Clean Port & Logistics innovation cluster.

The Grand Port Maritime de la Martinique has signed a partnership agreement with SolarinBlue to launch the Soley Blé project, the first floating photovoltaic power plant at sea in the Caribbean arc. With an estimated capacity of between 1 and 4 MWp, the installation could contribute directly to powering the container terminal, thereby strengthening the port’s energy independence and reducing its carbon footprint. The Frioul Islands marina, off the coast of Marseille, has installed 48 photovoltaic modules on a concrete jetty with the help of Colas. The electricity produced, estimated at up to 12,000 kWh/year, powers the port facilities, quay terminals and harbour master’s office in real time, with no visual impact or additional land use.

In the South Gate neighbourhood of Los Angeles (USA), the first phase of a large-scale public space project has just opened. Along the Los Angeles River, the park covers nearly 3 hectares of former industrial land. The park’s design focuses on restoration and resilience through the introduction of native species, the development of a new wetland area, and attention to water quality. The park provides a new green heart in a neighbourhood where less than 3% is considered green space. The larger project will include a riverfront of more than 1.5 km with a total area of 30 hectares, at an estimated cost of US$25 million. It will consist of an orchard, hence its name “Urban Orchard,” an educational garden, and children’s play areas, among other features.