Through a series of site visits, the Port Authority of Genoa (Italy) has decided to train its administrative staff to gain a better understanding of the development, maintenance and management of port infrastructure. The aim was to give meaning to their work by highlighting the implications of administrative tasks on the port’s operational functioning. Over 200 staff members were involved in the initiative. This operation highlights the vital role played by each link in the overall functioning of the port system.

The Port of Busan (South Korea) has launched an “AI Belt Strategy” to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across maritime logistics and port-related industries. Led by the Busan Port Authority and supported by the Busan Metropolitan Government, the initiative seeks to connect ports, research centres, universities, technology firms and startups within a regional innovation ecosystem. The project forms part of a broader ambition to position Busan as a global hub for maritime AI, sometimes described as a “Silicon Valley of maritime AI”. Planned applications include autonomous logistics, digital port operations, data platforms and AI-based maritime services, while attracting investment and talent to the port-city region.

The City of Saguenay is developing an urban beach in the port area of Chicoutimi (Canada), set to open by the end of June 2026. The project, estimated at $750,000, includes a sandy beach, vegetation plantings, a volleyball court, and a water mirror. Although the new facility will not allow swimming, water jets will allow visitors to cool off. The basin will be fed by water jets and covered with sand and fine gravel. This new attraction in downtown Chicoutimi aims to turn the port area into a public space accessible to all.

Belfast Harbour (UK) has just announced a masterplan and major investments for the next 25 years to facilitate the growth of commercial port activities. Among the ten projects planned for the coming decades are port infrastructure upgrades, new housing developments, urban regeneration initiatives, land reclamation, and the creation of a maritime training centre. The first phase of the works has a funding plan in place, but a large part of the project depends on a change in Northern Irish law that would allow the Port of Belfast, which has so far been self-financed, to borrow money like any other business.

Nature conservation continues to be integrated into port-city initiatives. In Saint-Tropez (France), the port has installed an innovative underwater bubble curtain designed to contain oil spills before they spread into the surrounding marine environment. In Algeciras (Spain), the port authority presented its Life Boosting Units®-based marine regeneration project to local students, combining environmental topics (artificial reefs) with educational outreach. The two initiatives illustrate port authorities addressing biodiversity issues through conservation projects and engagement with local communities.

The Port of Helsinki and the City of Helsinki (Finland) have initiated a revision of the local development plan for the Katajanokka port area. The project pursues a dual objective, combining the redevelopment of the historic terminal to consolidate all Stockholm-bound (Swenden) ferry services (Viking Line and Tallink Silja Line), with the opening of the South Harbour to the public, where public spaces and cultural venues are envisaged in the long term. The overarching vision is to establish Katajanokka as “Helsinki’s maritime heart, a place for everyone”. Revised plans are expected to go before municipal authorities by late 2027. A public consultation meeting is scheduled for 17 June 2026, with project documents available online until 25 June.