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USA and UK ports explore nuclear power for maritime decarbonization
In the United States, the Port of Corpus Christi and the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) are studying small modular reactors (SMRs) for port microgrids, shore power and future vessel propulsion, as part of a broader federal initiative on nuclear technologies for commercial shipping. Meanwhile, Lloyd’s Register, Maersk, and the ports of Charleston and Felixstowe (UK) are examining the regulatory, security, and operational requirements for a hypothetical nuclear-powered container route across the Atlantic. These initiatives remain exploratory but address the infrastructure and governance needed for possible future deployment.
From Quebec to Rotterdam, the ports celebrate the start of the new season
In September, ports are getting back into the swing of things with festivities bridging the public with their activities. On 29 August, the Port of Québec (Canada) held the fifth edition of its Port Festival. In Europe, the Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands) hosted its 49th World Port Days from 4 to 6 September. The annual event attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the banks of the Nieuwe Maas. MAGPIE, an EU-funded project involving the AIVP as a partner, used the event to showcase several virtual reality modules in the European Commission’s pavilion Dok Europa, providing an opportunity to raise public awareness of the energy transition, and the role ports can play in supporting it.
Bahía Blanca port launches new five-year plan
The Bahía Blanca Port Management Consortium (Argentina) unveiled its 2025-2029 Five-Year Plan, which totals US$44 million in investments. It combines infrastructure, modernisation, digitalisation, operational efficiency, staff training and sustainability. The programme also strengthens productive development and the port-community relationship. It aims to consolidate the Port of Bahía Blanca as a logistics, industrial and energy hub, and to bring essential predictability to the joint development of the city and the region.
The Port of Oslo has reduced its CO2 emissions by 34 per cent since 2017
In Oslo (Norway), greenhouse gas emissions from shipping and port operations have fallen from 47,700 […]
Asunción transforms its port into US$6M entertainment hub
Four warehouses at the port of Asunción (Paraguay) are being transformed into an entertainment hub. The project, costing an estimated US$6 million investment, should open before the end of 2026. This historic waterfront, now little used, is finding a new urban purpose. The site will host sports facilities, shops, dining and venues for concerts and conventions. The project keeps the area's industrial identity, including its original cranes, and reinforces the historic quay. It durably reconnects the city with the Paraguay River, right in the heart of Asunción's historic centre, between the old railway station and the Government Palace.
Australia adopts national plan to accelerate maritime decarbonisation
Australia has released its Maritime Emissions Reduction National Action Plan (MERNAP), setting seven priorities for decarbonising the domestic maritime sector and supporting international shipping’s transition. The plan focuses on the energy–port–shipping nexus, including investment in low-carbon fuel storage and bunkering, shore power and port energy infrastructure. It also promotes green and digital shipping corridors, support for emerging vessel technologies and demand aggregation for regional operators. Upskilling the maritime workforce is another priority, alongside efforts to reduce regulatory barriers for first movers.
Port of Bellingham focus on circular economy with its industrial symbiosis hub
Bellingham (USA) has been selected to receive technical assistance by the Center for Sustainable Infrastructure […]
The Port of Amsterdam is exploring the potential of geothermal energy
Launched at national level, the SCAN programme aims to identify suitable locations for the use […]
Ports in Spain, Italy and the USA invest in human capital for the energy transition
Ports are strengthening human capital as the energy transition and technological change reshape maritime activities. In Valencia (Spain), Fundación Valenciaport has joined the new Sustainable Maritime Mobility Hub, part of Spain’s national alliance for vocational training, to help develop skills adapted to the sector’s future needs. In Italy, the Port Network Authority of the Northern Tyrrhenian Sea is allocating €1.5 million to training and professional development, supporting employment and the human factor in the port sector. Meanwhile, the Port of Long Beach (USA) has launched a program with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) to prepare participants for careers in electrical trades, responding to growing demand for skilled workers linked to port electrification.
Ports open up to their communities through culture and sport
Ports are multiplying initiatives to strengthen their bond with local residents. In Marseille (France), the Grand Port Maritime exceptionally opens the Digue du Large to the public for picnics at sea, as part of the Été marseillais programme. In Szczecin (Poland), the Zagel festival brings together tall ships, concerts and family activities on both banks of the Oder River. In Alicante (Spain), the I Travesía Uniendo Faros offers an open-water swimming race between two historic lighthouses in the bay. The Bahía de Algeciras (Spain) launches the second edition of its photography contest "Puerto y Naturaleza". Finally, the Port of Sept-Îles.
The energy transition is turning ports into the energy hubs of port cities
Driven by the energy transition, ports are becoming hubs combining renewable energy generation, storage and electrification. In Tarragona (Spain), Port Tarragona has just increased its solar capacity to more than 1 MWp, with two additional sites already under construction. In València (Spain), the port has just doubled its power generation capacity, in line with its Net Zero Plan and 2035 Strategic Plan. In Leixões (Portugal), the cruise terminal is developing additional shore power capacity, while in Brisbane (Australia), the port is continuing to expand solar generation and energy storage at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal. Finally, near Bordeaux (France), the approval of a cobalt and nickel conversion plant is expected to support French battery production while contributing to the industrial development of the port in Gironde.
Sustainability: a growing priority for port-based food supply chains
The transport of agri-food products requires specific infrastructure, which can sometimes be highly energy-intensive. The […]
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World Conference Cities & Ports | Dunkrik
Dunkirk, France
The AIVP World Conference Cities & Ports 2026 will take place in Dunkirk (France) from […]