Brest Métropole (France), in partnership with the association Air Breizh, is launching an odour observatory at the Port of Brest for the 2026–2027 period to better understand and manage smell nuisances linked to port activities. The project invites local volunteers to take part in training in the “Language of Noses” method, enabling them to precisely describe perceived odours and identify their possible sources. Through the Signal’Air reporting platform, observations will be collected and analysed. The aim is to improve knowledge of these odours, identify their sources, and foster dialogue between residents, industries, and authorities to reduce disturbances.

To highlight their economic and human impact, the ports of Montreal (Canada) and French Guiana are exploring new media formats. In Montreal, the documentary series “At the Heart of the Port”, airing on Télé-Québec, gives an inside look at the daily work of port teams and the strategic role of maritime transport. In French Guiana, the Grand Port Maritime is using podcasts and local programs like “Place Publique” to present its projects and its contribution to regional development. Meanwhile, in Antwerp (Belgium), the play “We of the Docks” offers a warm and humorous portrayal of dockworkers’ lives, drawn from real-life stories. These initiatives help ports connect with the public and shed light on their essential activities.

The Romainville-Bobigny household waste sorting centre in the north-east of Paris (France) will soon be exporting waste by barge to reduce road traffic. This project is part of a wider modernisation of the centre, which will create a river port and dedicated barges. The project is expected to come into operation in 2029 and cost €45.9 million. In the first phase, thanks to a newly created gantry, the barges will be able to export up to 180,000 tonnes of waste to an energy recovery centre and to the port of Gennevilliers for the selective collection of bio-waste. An additional gantry could be added to handle a further 110,000 tonnes. The total cost of the sorting centre modernisation project is €465 million over 10 years.

The Fishing Port of Vigo has announced that it will invest nearly €6 million in 2026 to modernise its facilities. The investment plan includes replacing the obsolete ramps at the fish market with 75 new, modern loading docks. Europe’s leading fishing port will also invest €1.33 million to better integrate the port with the city, including the construction of a 125-meter promenade, a bike lane, and green spaces around the auction hall. The building, constructed in 2003, will also be upgraded to meet fire safety regulations for 2.1 million. Finally, €0.5 million will be allocated to upgrading the fish market’s refrigeration system and reducing its impact on employees. The works will run from spring 2026 through early 2027.

The port city of Tokyo (Japan) expanded its cruise infrastructure in 2025 with the reopening of Harumi Cruise Terminal and the continued operation of Tokyo International Cruise Terminal. Harumi reopened in June after renovations to host small and medium vessels, while the 2020 terminal handles larger ships. Both sites are connected to Narita and Haneda airports and to central districts by public transport, supporting “fly and cruise” travel. The developments improve access to Ginza, Toyosu, and waterfront areas. Planned projects such as the Odaiba Fountain, expected in 2026, also reflect efforts to integrate cruise activity with urban spaces and public amenities.

Hamburg’s Digital Training Center (Germany) launched innovative learning and training formats, developed to prepare port workers for the requirements of an increasingly digitalised and automated working environment. This follows a study conducted by the PortSkill 4.0 project on changing job profiles in German Ports. At the University of Lorient (France), the second group of students are completing the university diploma on marina management, a topic of vital importance for the region. Port of Seattle (USA) is searching for a Maritime Workforce Liaison to connect maritime employers, training providers, and jobseekers with each other. Port of Antwerp-Bruges (Belgium) aims to promote well-being and healthy lifestyles in the workplace by providing fresh soup to offices and lock buildings.