Maritime and port innovation up and running

Paul Tourret, Doctor of Geography, Director of ISEMAR (Higher Institute of Maritime Economics), Nantes Saint-Nazaire Goal 2 of the AIVP Agenda 2030 focuses on the Energy Transition and Circular Economy, this will also be the topic we will discuss for the coming weeks. In this article, expert Paul Tourret explains the role of port cities in the process of changing energy consumption and finding sustainable alternatives. The combination of environmental pressure and the urgent need to save energy is both a constraint and a stimulus for maritime and port industries. A new cycle of innovation is taking shape. The ships and ports of the future are gradually emerging, although the path ahead remains tricky, with immature technologies and imperfect solutions. Nonetheless, the process of research, testing and operational deployment is moving quickly. In this context, city-ports with their economic and operational maritime transport roles, will be the nerve centres of a dynamic 21st century. It is plain to see that this is a formidable time for the maritime industries. But not because of the sheer scale reached by sea-going transport with economic globalisation. The Ever Given incident in the Suez Canal was a high-profile sign of the importance of maritime trade. What makes this current period formidable is the great cycle of innovation sweeping through the entire maritime ecosystem. In recent years, the technological 21st century has got into gear to revolutionise ships. The trends established in the fifties and sixties, and which saw vessels continue to grow and grow in size over the following decades, now need to change. The maritime industry is focused on the future, perhaps as never before. There are myriad stakeholders concerned, ranging from shipyards and owners, to classification societies, energy operators, engine constructors, and ports. Each one is working on this new cycle of innovation. Naturally, the change has…