Following the example set by Bilbao of re-dynamising a whole urban sector by combining culture with the name of a famous architect is an ever-present dream. At times it gives the impression of being overdone, as in the projects on Saadiyat Island (Abu Dhabi), involving five of the big names in architecture. Apart from the method, do these cultural quarters have an obligation to become "cities within the city"? Examples of this can be seen in Saint-Petersburg, Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong. These are questions which will be debated at the Helsinki AIVP Days.
Russian ports have progressively recovered some parts of the market from the ports of neighbouring countries, but the Russian government is aiming to have 90% of Russian traffic passing over the country’s ports by 2030. It is launching a plan to enable its ports to handle an estimated volume of 1 billion metric tons by 2030, and to reinforce their attractiveness abroad. The budget for the plan is €10.6 billion, €7.5 billion of which will come from the private sector.
World Port Development
According to the scientific forecasts the North Passage could remain free of ice floes 4 to 5 months a year by 2030, or even 2020. This perspective of a shorter connection between the European and Asiatic markets is arousing wide interest in the countries concerned Russia and Canada in particular. For the moment the shipping companies appear to be still dubitative. Numerous constraints remain to be lifted, notably the higher cost of ice breaking vessels or the confusion in the territorial status of the Arctic waters.
Ports & Harbors
Le Monde
Between 2000 and 2011, the number of cruise passengers in the Baltic Sea has gone from 1 to 3.6 million. 2011 has again recorded a growth of + 11.7%. The attractiveness of the six capitals present in the region is one of the explanations. Outside these leaders, or of Rostock (gateway to Berlin) and Gothenburg, the situation is more fluctuating for the other ports. Certain ports can however play the card of alternative destinations. Inventory
Baltic Transport Journal
10 days less for Rotterdam / Tokyo, 10 000 km less between Le Havre and Tokyo : the North West passage should be accessible for more or less lengthy periods up to 120 to 140 days a year against 30 today. A similar scenario is announced for the North East passage. These new maritime routes, but also the race for oil reserves, will generate port projects and are already arousing territorial quarrels between the countries concerned : Canada, Denmark, United States, Norway and Russia.
Journal de la marine marchande
Le marin