In recent weeks, strikes, protests, and blockades have disrupted several European ports. Historically tied to social movements, ports now often concentrate global political issues, reflecting social tensions. Their disruption slows international flows, providing an important platform for political demands. Ports thus reflect the underlying tensions worldwide. In Rotterdam (Netherlands), police cleared hundreds of climates and anti-war protesters from the main freight railway on 13 October 2025, shortly before the Rotterdam court ordered the port to reopen after a labour strike that began on 8 October. The Port of Antwerp-Bruges (Belgium) experienced a strike from 5 to 9 October, while Italy’s nationwide strike for peace on 3 to 4 October affected the ports of Genoa, Livorno, Trieste, Venice, and Naples. Protests have also targeted infrastructure developments, with 1,000 people opposing the Seine-Nord Europe Canal in Thourotte (France) on 11 October.

From September through October 2025, Italian ports will open their doors to the public, offering a chance to explore their activities and the surrounding areas through themes related to urban development and port-city connections. In Venice and Chioggia, the “Port Days” will feature guided tours, interactive workshops, and simulators, giving visitors a hands-on experience of maritime innovation. In Livorno, concerts, debates, and cultural activities will be held. At the same time, the city of Genoa will offer a rare opportunity to visit the archives of the San Giorgio Palace during the annual “Domenica di Carta” event. Finally, the 9th SEAFUTURE exhibition will be held at the La Spezia naval base and will highlight blue economy and its innovations.

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), a mural was unveiled at the Port of Vannes (France). Created by a local artist, it highlights the aesthetics of the female body and pays tribute to women affected by breast cancer. Visible to all, the artwork turns the port into a space for reflection, awareness, and prevention. The Autonomous Port of Pointe-Noire (Congo) is also joining the campaign, sharing messages across internal channels and social media to highlight the importance of collective action in supporting this cause.

Danish architecture firm BIG has been selected to build “the Sail,” the new convention center in Rouen (France). Located along the Seine River, the project will include 11,500 square meters of auditorium and various rooms. The architects drew inspiration from the city’s naval activities for the shape of the building and the extensive use of wood. The building aims to meet the highest environmental standards, including a rainwater collection system, a roof equipped with photovoltaic panels, and lighting based as much as possible on natural light. The outdoor public spaces will be landscaped. The risk of flooding has been taken into account by raising the building to protect the foundations from rising water levels. The project is scheduled for completion in 2032.

The Spanish National Port Authority has just commissioned a study from the Cantabria Institute of Environmental Hydraulics on the climate risks facing 46 ports of general interest, to later develop a plan to adapt to these risks. A Port Observatory on Climate Change will also be set up to contribute to this plan. This study will cost more than €650 000. At the same time, the National Authority has approved 16 grants totalling €6 million as part of the “Ports 4.0” program. This program is the corporate open innovation model designed to support entrepreneurship and innovation in the logistics and port sector. Projects are notably selected based on sustainability criteria.

On October 9^th, the new socio-cultural complex in Djinaky (Senegal) was inaugurated. It is the result of a collaboration between local youth, the Association for the Development of Djinaky, and the support of the Port Authority of Dakar (PAD). PAD highlighted that the cultural project is in line with its social responsibility approach, which promotes the needs of populations in port-city interfaces. The complex includes a large auditorium, a modern recording studio, a refreshment bar, a kitchen, a ticket office, and a reception area. The complex aims to empower the local youth and offer a structured framework for the development and preservation of the community’s cultural heritage.