Port infrastructure remains the backbone of global trade and economy, facilitating around 80% of all international trade by volume.
In addition to serving as loading and unloading docks, major ports worldwide have adopted digital technology and AI tools. This evolution has transformed them into logistical hubs and data-driven ecosystems that enable real-time cargo tracking and faster operations, ultimately reducing costs.
Shipping is a major contributor to global GHG emissions, accounting for about 3% of the world’s total emissions. According to the Global Maritime Forum, if a country is a major maritime trade, it will be one of the world’s top six GHG emitters.
Work has been done in the past to decarbonize the sector, with plans to set out a path to net zero by 2050.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships, which calls for a net-zero sector emissions “by or around 2050”.
The IMO Strategy aims for the international shipping to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 in incremental steps – for example:
- by 2030, reaching at least 20% while striving for 30%, and
- by 2040, reaching at least 70%, aiming for 80% compared to 2008,
- and reducing the carbon intensity of international shipping by at least 40% by 2030
- and shifting to alternative zero and near-zero-GHG fuels.
To help reduce shipping fuel’s carbon emissions, a levy is proposed ranging from $18.75 to $150 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) emitted by ships, with the funds raised to subsidize the costs of zero-emission fuels.
However, this proposal is still under debate. As these changes will raise trade costs, the international community ensures that this transition to net zero is just and equitable, meaning it will not disproportionately impact any one segment or geographic region and will support countries most affected.
The article in WRI offers recommendations on how ports around the world can take practical steps to decarbonize and highlights its many benefits.
The article notes that decarbonizing major ports, particularly those located in the world’s biggest cities, will have the greatest impact. Of the world’s 50 largest ports, 42 are located around cities.
Some cities have already implemented initiatives in this direction. Examples include:
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the $3 billion Clean Ports Program in 2024 to fund clean port equipment and infrastructure in 54 ports across 27 states and territories.
- Brazil and Norway also signed a memorandum of understanding to promote sustainable maritime transport, including port decarbonization.
- The Port of Barcelona is installing shore power for both container ships and passenger ferries, using 100% renewable electricity. It is also investing in electric straddle carriers for moving containers.
- Sweden’s Port of Trelleborg aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2040 and is exploring green fuel options; it is also establishing “green corridors” with partner ports to create low-emission transportation routes.
Benefits of Port Decarbonization.
The decarbonization of ports offers several benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which helps combat climate change. It promotes more sustainable global trade and creates job opportunities in various sectors such as shipbuilding, renewable and alternative fuel production, retrofitting of vessels and port facilities, shipbreaking, electrical work, and more.
Additionally, decarbonization leads to cleaner air, a healthier environment, and improved water quality, all of which positively impact human health and the ocean ecosystem.
Practical steps for decarbonizing ports can begin with the electrification of ground vehicles used in cargo handling, such as terminal tractors, cranes, straddle carriers, heavy forklifts, and heavy goods vehicles. These vehicles, currently powered by diesel fuels that emit greenhouse gases, can switch to electric power.
Additionally, short-distance harbor vessels, including tugs, pilot boats, mooring tenders, and maintenance craft, can also be electrified. Large vessels, like cruise ships, can be powered by electricity from the shore when docked, a practice known as “cold ironing,” instead of relying on diesel fuel.
Supporting electrification in ports will require them to increase renewable energy generation from solar, wind, and tidal sources and to expand battery storage capacity.
Additionally, ships could also switch to alternative fuels such as methanol and ammonia, along with other technical measures and design improvements integrated into ships.
Decarbonizing ports and shipping is vital for a sustainable future. By embracing cleaner technologies, alternative fuels, and supportive policies, ports can spearhead the transition to greener global trade while fostering economic growth and environmental health.
However, governments and the shipping sector need to ensure that these changes are effective and equitable, and provide support to developing economies that may be adversely affected.
Sources:
IMO’s work to cut GHG emissions from ships. (n.d.). (International Maritime Organization. Retrieved from https://www.imo.org/en/mediacentre/hottopics/pages/cutting-ghg-emissions.aspx
Sustainable Development in Shipping and Ports. (2025, August 14). World Bank Group. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/transport/brief/sustainable-development-in-shipping-and-ports#
Why 2025 is such an important year for shipping decarbonisation. (2025, February 25). Global Maritime Forum. Retrieved from https://globalmaritimeforum.org/article/why-2025-is-such-an-important-year-for-shipping-decarbonisation/
Baines, J., Ashford, O., Gander, S., Ly, S., Khan, M., & Wood, K. (2025, October 30). Modernizing Ports Is a Major Untapped Opportunity for a Healthier Planet. World Resources Institute. Retrieved from https://www.wri.org/insights/modernizing-ports-major-untapped-opportunity-healthier-planet?
PHOTO CREDIT: Image by Julius Silver from Pixabay
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