PACT Pilot Projects
The PACT initiative uses six pilot studies — Dubrovnik, Le Havre, Limassol, Lisbon, Livorno, Rotterdam — as laboratories to explore energy transition strategies in port city territories.
These pilots foster collaboration between ports, cities, and stakeholders through public events and joint activities, enabling knowledge exchange and testing the PACT Framework in diverse spatial and socio-cultural contexts. By developing and refining place-based, collaborative tools, the pilots serve as models for socially just and sustainable transitions across Europe.
Pilot 1: Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik, is renowned for its historic port and thriving tourism industry. Located on Croatia’s Adriatic coast, its port serves as a key gateway for cruise ships and trade while balancing the challenges of heritage preservation, environmental protection, and sustainable energy transition.
Pilot 2: Le Havre
Le Havre serves as a hub for exploring innovative collaborations between ports and cities, focusing on the social and environmental impacts of energy transition. Its rich history as one of France's largest port cities provides a strong foundation for stakeholder engagement and knowledge exchange.
Pilot 3: Limassol
Limassol is considered to be the largest third party ship management center in the European Union. The multipurpose port in Cyprus, Limassol Port, lies on its southern coast and is one of the busiest facilities in the Mediterranean transit trade that handles most cargo along with passengers. More than 50 cruise lines include Cyprus in their Mediterranean itineraries.
Pilot 4: Lisbon
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a vital hub for maritime trade and renewable energy initiatives. Situated at the mouth of the Tagus River, its port plays a critical role in connecting Europe to the Atlantic, with a focus on integrating urban development, coastal sustainability, and innovative energy solutions.
Pilot 5: Livorno
Livorno offers a dynamic setting to examine port-city interactions, using existing initiatives to explore energy transition strategies in Italy. The pilot emphasizes fostering local partnerships and testing tools for sustainable development.
Pilot 6: Rotterdam
As one of Europe’s largest ports, Rotterdam provides a unique opportunity to address energy transition at scale. This pilot, located in the Netherlands, focuses on leveraging its advanced infrastructure to develop place-based solutions that balance economic and environmental priorities.
Case Studies
Beyond the pilot cities, PACT draws inspiration from a range of projects across Europe that demonstrate innovative approaches to energy transition and port city collaboration. These case studies provide diverse perspectives, highlight emerging practices, and adapt lessons from varying contexts.