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Port City Insights: This weekly strategic monitoring service on City Port news is reserved for you as a member of the AIVP
Edition of May 28, 2026
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📣 The Call for Presentations has been extended!
Join as a speaker at the 21st World Conference Cities & Ports organised by AIVP, taking place from 3 to 6 November 2026 in Dunkirk, France. Under the theme “Cities and Ports in Motion: Time to Act,” this call invites researchers, professionals, and public and private stakeholders to share their initiatives, innovative projects, and experiences.
🌍 The Call for Presentations has been extended: you now have until 5 June 2026 to submit your proposal.
🎤 Join international experts and stakeholders to contribute to discussions on the future of port-city territories through plenary sessions, panels, and workshops.
đź“… New deadline: 5 June 2026
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Health and life quality
Karachi and Mumbai are cleaning their waterfronts of floating waste
The Karachi Port Trust (Pakistan) has expanded cleaning operations across key locations, removing more than 58,000 kgs of solid waste from harbour waters in three phases during the start of May in the framework of the “Cleaner Port, Healthier Marine Ecosystem” program. The aim is to integrate waste collection into fishing operations. Recycling recovered debris could help turn environmental challenges into economic opportunities for small and medium enterprises engaged in circular economy models as well. Mumbai (India) has introduced autonomous electric boats to remove floating waste from coastal waters in two areas that routinely witness high volumes of floating plastic and debris. The robots are capable of collecting close to 90 kilograms of floating waste daily.
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Culture and identity
In Portsmouth, Gunwharf Quays’ waterfront is set for a £45m transformation
Gunwharf Quays, an old military facility turned shopping centre in Portsmouth (United Kingdom), marks its 25th year in the city, the same year Portsmouth celebrates its centenary. After renovations of The Avenues, Marlborough Square, and Central Square, the City planners validated a ÂŁ45m investment near the Spinnaker Tower to unify the waterfront design and improve circulation. The centre’s new blueprint should bring together the two main waterfront blocks with a new terrace spanning to the marina. Work is expected to begin in early 2027.
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Governance
Oslo Port uses Hav Eiendom dividends to fund green port transition
The Hav Eiendom company will once again distribute NOK 150 million (€13.0 million) in dividends to its owner Oslo Havn KF, with funds reinvested in modernising and decarbonising the Port of Oslo (Norway). The company, established in 2003 to develop the Fjordbyen waterfront, has now delivered NOK 2.3 billion (€200 million) in dividends, supporting port infrastructure and municipal priorities. According to port representatives, these revenues contribute to shore power deployment across vessel segments, charging facilities for ships and heavy vehicles, and a modal shift towards maritime transport. The dividend mechanism is linked to long-term waterfront development, including major upcoming projects such as Filipstad and Grønlikaia, expected to shape the next phase of the fjord city.
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Culture and identity
Port cities are embracing the trend of floating saunas.
The company Solstice Sauna has begun installing four floating saunas in Quebec City (Canada) on the Bassin Louise. The opening is scheduled for late 2026. The project has received $834,000 in funding from the Ministry of Tourism, granted under the Tourism Industry Recovery Assistance Programme. In Brest (France), a similar project opened its doors at the Port du Moulin Blanc this May. The concept, imported from Denmark, has also caught on in Cleveland (USA), which plans to open its facilities in autumn 2026 on the Cuyahoga Riverfront.
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Port culture
A Weekend to discover the ports of Barcelona and Algeciras
For the third consecutive year, the Port of Barcelona (Spain) will open its doors to the public during the weekend of 30 and 31 May, inviting residents to explore areas usually kept behind the scenes.. The program features guided coach tours through restricted port facilities, maritime excursions aboard the Golondrinas, the port’s historic sightseeing boats, alongside guided historical walking tours along the waterfront. Tickets are available for the symbolic price of one euro, with all proceeds donated to local charities. Beyond the tours and entertainment, the weekend will also highlight a charity. On Sunday morning, the KM Against Cancer solidarity race will bring together participants of all ages, with all registration fees supporting cancer research. For its part, the Port of the Bay of Algeciras (Spain) is celebrating the 10th edition of its “Conoce tu Puerto” initiative, which forms part of the official European Maritime Day celebrations. The Port Authority is offering 2,250 places for maritime visits departing from Algeciras.
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Governance
Nigeria Supreme Court decision reshapes inland waterways regulatory framework
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has voided key provisions of the NIWA Act, affecting the governance of inland waterways and clarifying jurisdictional responsibilities between federal and state authorities. The ruling modifies the regulatory framework for navigation, infrastructure development and operational oversight along inland water transport corridors. According to the decision, certain powers previously exercised by the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) are limited, opening the door to a more decentralized management structure. The judgement is expected to influence planning and investment conditions in river transport systems, with implications for logistics connectivity and port–hinterland integration.
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Governance
Ho Chi Minh City is seeking to transform itself into a regional maritime finance hub, with the Vietnam International Financial Centre, aiming to convert operational data into financial assets
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Human capital
The IMO launched a handbook on gender mainstreaming and hosted an event to promote gender equality on the International Day of Women in Maritime on May 18th
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Port City interface
With cargo traffic on the rise, the Port of Kribi (Cameroon) expands its container terminal
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Port City interface
Baton Rouge (USA) new master plan targets urban core growth and Mississippi Riverfront redevelopment to triple residential population in the city centre
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Governance
Cyprus government transfers Larnaca marina and port upgrade project to national ports authority to advance integrated waterfront redevelopment
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Energy transition and circular economy
Dutch company Value Maritime is developing a carbon capture and utilisation chain at the Port of Rotterdam to supply greenhouse horticulture with COâ‚‚ captured from ships
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