Ports are on the frontline of maritime decarbonisation. How are they adapting?

Introduction

The transformation of port infrastructure is critical to enabling the industry to transition to net-zero. Ports are like mini-cities, they are hubs of all global trade, meaning they are at the first frontier to ensuring that IMO emissions targets and the targets set out by the Paris agreement are met. Ports must be ready to fulfil the requirements for future shipping by being able to supply alternative fuel sources in a relatively short window of time. With a clear need for change, several technological developments have come to light to enable new ways of working, but serious questions remain regarding whether our ports are financially prepared to undergo the necessary infrastructure changes. This report shall examine the necessary changes to our ports’ infrastructure and the challenges facing the adoption of alternative fuels.

The importance of decarbonising the maritime industry

Maritime transportation is crucial to the world economy, with 90% of trade transported using ships. With the world’s most significant means of transportation, the industry produces 940 million tonnes of CO2, equivalent to 3% of the world’s overall CO2 emissions. The International Maritime Organisation aims to make the industry zero-emission by the year 2050, with ships worldwide needing to take a proactive role in driving the transition to net zero. This impacts the industry’s overall economic, environmental, and health.