RETE, the Association for Collaboration between Ports and Cities, has released issue 49 of its digital journal PORTUS. Under the direction of José Luis Estrada, the publication is regarded as an international scientific benchmark in the study of port cities. PORTUS is a biannual journal valued by international experts as an essential tool for the study and dissemination of research and experiences in the field of port–city relations and urban–port regeneration initiatives.
This issue highlights the transformation of port cities in Latin America in its Report section, and presents a comprehensive Portus Portrait dossier on the port city of Santos, Brazil, along with additional content on port innovation and maritime culture.
The Report of issue 49 focuses on “Latin America: The Transformation of Port Cities”, offering an overview of the regional context as well as national case studies. It features contributions from international organizations and experts addressing the evolution and challenges of port–city relations in Latin America, along with coverage of significant events such as the Buenos Aires International Architecture Biennial. In addition, the Report brings together case studies on Chilean port cities – including Castro, Iquique, Puerto Montt, Talcahuano, and Valparaíso – exploring their urban port development challenges and opportunities.
In the Focus section, the journal features two articles on innovative port–city initiatives. The first, “Vigo, a Port by and for the People,” is authored by Carlos Botana Lagarón, President of the Port Authority of Vigo. The second article, “The Third Port Space: Digitalization and Liminality in Mediterranean Cities,” by Professor Roger Humberto Ríos Duarte, explores the concept of new port spaces in the context of digitalization.
The PORTUS Portrait section of this issue is devoted entirely to the city of Santos (Brazil), the leading port in Latin America in terms of traffic volume. The Santos dossier includes eight articles and nine interviews providing a comprehensive view of this port city, with contributions from representatives across key sectors: federal and municipal government authorities, business leaders, academia, experts, and trade unions.
José Luis Estrada, director of PORTUS, highlights Santos as a paradigmatic case:
“The Port of Santos is Brazil’s and Latin America’s leading port in terms of traffic volume. In 2024 it handled 179.8 million tons and 5.4 million TEUs. Its economic activity accounts for an impressive 30% of Brazil’s GDP,” he notes, emphasizing the magnitude and influence of this port city in the economy. Estrada also underlines Santos’ unique institutional framework for port–city relations: the city has a Municipal Secretariat for Port and Maritime Affairs – the first of its kind in Brazil – dedicated exclusively to port–city integration.
PORTUS 49 is published primarily in English but also includes articles in RETE’s other official languages: Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and French. Issue 49 of PORTUS is available in full on the official website of the journal at the following link:
