In its 2025 CSR report, the FMCT highlights the award of two environmental certifications (EDGE Advanced, EcoCity) for the port cities of Libreville and Lomé (Gabon). The report highlights the implementation of the “La baie des Rois” project, a concrete example of sustainable, inclusive and resilient urban planning which has attracted two million visitors since 2023. Baie des Rois is a comprehensive development project aimed at promoting the town’s history and culture. The FMCT’s CSR programme also provides an opportunity to showcase the partnerships forged with institutions, local businesses, associations and community stakeholders.

In early June, the Union of Port Cities of Occitania (France) launched a reflection on regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the region’s recreational ports. Today, more than 50% of port agents already use AI in their daily work, whether for predictive infrastructure management, user services or communications, while the growing connectivity of ports exposes them to risks of cybercrime and threats to organisational data sovereignty. The UVPO aims to address these challenges without stifling innovation, by proposing a common framework before autumn, to be shared at national level through the French Federation of Recreational Ports.

From Belgium to Spain and the United States, waterfronts are being turned into places of ecological restoration this June 2026. The Oyster Restoration Company thus launched the “EuroReefs” project in the Belgian North Sea, placing 1,800 biodegradable reef elements carrying European oyster spat, funded by NextGenerationEU. In Boston (USA), over 130 m2 of floating salt marsh was installed in Fort Point Channel by Biomatrix Water, planting native plants and reef habitats into an urban harbour. In Spain, the Port Authority of the Bay of Cadiz committed €53 million through 2030 to eco-reefs, shore power, and pollution control. Meanwhile, the Port Authority of Gijón (Spain) marked World Oceans Day by planting six reef structure prototypes at El Musel to study and showcase marine colonisation in port waters to the public.

Ports around the world are opening their spaces to their communities through cultural and festive events. In Toulon (France), the 12th edition of the street painting festival took over the port around the theme of the ocean to raise public awareness of marine biodiversity. In Busan (South Korea), the 19th Busan Port Festival brought together residents and visitors around fireworks and nautical activities on the port waterfront. In Brixham (United Kingdom), the Brixham Trawler Event gathered more than 20 decorated fishing vessels to celebrate maritime heritage. Finally, the Puerto de Bahía Blanca (Argentina) opened its doors to the community with a local market, guided tours and play areas for children.

The newly formed Northern Corn Belt Ports initiative includes 11 counties along the Mississippi River (USA), including ports in La Crosse and Prairie du Chien in Wisconsin, and Red Wing, Wabasha, and Winona in Minnesota. Key goals include reducing transportation costs and risks, leveraging regional, state, federal, and industry resources for sustainable port infrastructure development, and enhancing connections between agricultural providers and the river. With 60% of waterway products being agricultural commodities, this collaborative effort has already attracted over $2 billion in infrastructure funding since 2022, benefiting the region’s farming community.