On 5 November 2026, in Dunkirk, France, the AIVP Antoine Rufenacht Prize ceremony took place in the presence of the two co-chairs of the jury, Geraldine Knatz and Carola Hein, as well as Antoine Rufenacht’s relatives.

After honouring Tangier in 2024 for the redevelopment of the Tanger Ville port area, the Grand Jury decided this year to award the Prize to the Port of Los Angeles for its San Pedro Waterfront transformation project. Composed of Hervé Martel, Gaeten Siew, Deborah Dearing, Yann Landkocz and Carola Hein, the jury praised the project’s long-term vision, pursued for more than twenty years, and the consistency of the efforts undertaken. It particularly highlighted the role of the Public Access Investment Plan, which has made it possible to secure, over the long term, the funding needed for the project’s implementation. The project is also a benchmark in the reclaiming of port spaces for the benefit of the public: long-term community consultation and engagement, high-quality developments, and the preservation and enhancement of existing port activities.

• Learn more about the 2026 winning project: Port of Los Angeles San Pedro Waterfront – Aivp Rufenacht prize

Carola Hein also announced that the jury had wished to award a Special Mention to the project led by the port and city of Cotonou. It goes to the very heart of AIVP’s mission: enhancing the human capital of the port city through targeted developments that tangibly improve the relationship between the city, the port and its citizens.

• Learn more about the 2026 Special Mention: Connecting logistics, community and cultural identity between the City and the Port of Cotonou – Aivp Rufenacht prize

It should be noted that Geraldine Knatz, former Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles from 2006 to 2014, chose not to take part in the vote, stepping aside in favour of Carola Hein to lead the discussions.

To reach its decision, the Grand Jury gave priority to demonstrated progress towards the strategic objectives set, innovation, consideration of climate and the environment, the integration of arts and culture, and the potential for replication in other ports. Community consultation and engagement, financial self-sufficiency, and the preservation and expression of local identity were also key criteria.

The winner of this 2026 edition was presented with the Prize trophy, designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte and made by Aluminium Dunkerque from low-carbon aluminium.

Applications, Finalists and Hearings

Following the meeting of the Expert Committee, held in Paris on 11 September 2026, four projects were selected as finalists. Besides Los Angeles and Cotonou, they were the projects of the ports of:

• Vigo: Peiraos do Solpor – ATLÁNTIDA – Aivp Rufenacht prize
• Palma: The New Paseo Marítimo of Palma: from traffic corridor to a waterfront shared by a working port and its city – Aivp Rufenacht prize

The four finalists were heard by the members of the Grand Jury on Monday 2 November in Dunkirk, ahead of the opening of AIVP’s 21st World Conference Cities & Ports.

Learn more about the 2026 applicant projects

Relive the highlights of the Prize ceremony in pictures:

Relive the highlights of the finalists’ hearing in pictures:

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