Clean shipping accelerates decarbonisation of global supply chains
Shipping emissions threaten port communities and climate goals
International shipping accounts for 3% of global CO2 emissions. This figure could skyrocket to 17% by 2050 if left unregulated. Beyond climate impacts, shipping pollution causes approximately 60,000 deaths annually, with port and coastal communities bearing the heaviest burden of air pollution, noise, and environmental degradation from maritime operations.
Port cities can power the global energy transition
As home to some of the world’s busiest ports and major trade gateways, C40 mayors can play a key role in ensuring port operations align with their cities’ climate action plans.
Through port-city collaboration, just pathways that support workers and communities, and international advocacy, cities and their ports can accelerate zero-emission shipping solutions. When port cities act together, they create market signals powerful enough to transform an entire industry.
C40 connects port cities with the strategies, partnerships, and peer networks needed to lead maritime decarbonisation. Port cities are demonstrating that economic prosperity and environmental protection can advance through coordinated action on zero-emissions solutions.
Creating sustainable maritime solutions that protect communities
Port cities understand the complex challenge of balancing a strong economy with environmental responsibility. Successful implementation will:
Keep global trade flowing
Reliable shipping connections are essential for economic prosperity and supply chain security, requiring solutions that enhance rather than disrupt commercial operations.
Cut emissions rapidly
With shipping emissions potentially rising to 17% of global CO2 by 2050, urgent action is needed to deploy zero-emission vessels, sustainable fuels, and clean port infrastructure.
Protect community health and create fair outcomes
Maritime pollution disproportionately affects coastal communities, particularly low-income neighbourhoods near ports. Clean shipping solutions must prioritise environmental justice and community wellbeing.
Maintain economic benefits
Ports drive local employment and economic activity. The transition to zero-emission shipping must create good green jobs while preserving the economic advantages of maritime trade.
Build resilience for the future
Clean energy systems, electrification, and sustainable fuel bunkering at ports protect cities from fuel price volatility, supply chain disruptions, and climate impacts. These investments also generate strong returns.
Cities are demonstrating that this transformation is achievable. From establishing green shipping corridors to implementing shore power systems, port cities are demonstrating that environmental and economic goals are intrinsically linked.
Unlock your port city’s potential
The C40 Ports and Shipping programme works with cities, ports, and industry through public-private partnerships to decarbonise shipping, drive zero-emission supply chains, and operationalise green shipping corridors.
Here’s how we support port cities:
Green Ports Forum
Connect with port cities delivering cleaner maritime solutions
Join a member-driven platform to enhance city-port collaboration and share similar challenges and opportunities, from scaling zero-emissions technologies and catalysing port investments to improving air quality and delivering good, green jobs.
Green Shipping Corridors Programme
Learn about C40’s work establishing green shipping corridors
C40’s Green Shipping Corridors work with cities and their ports to advance decarbonisation of the global shipping industry by establishing green shipping corridors (GSC) on some of the world’s busiest shipping routes.
A GSC is a shipping route on which zero-carbon emission ships and other emissions reduction programmes are deployed, and emissions reductions are measured and enabled through public and private actions and policies.
Ports and shipping resources
Download reports and implementation guides
Access research reports and practical guides that help port cities learn from successful maritime policies and understand decarbonization pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can port cities afford the transition to zero-emission shipping?
Cities are leveraging innovative financing, including green bonds and public-private partnerships, to invest in shore power, charging infrastructure, and sustainable fuel facilities. These investments often reduce long-term operational costs while creating new revenue streams.
How are ports and cities ensuring maritime workers benefit from the transition?
Ports and cities are collaborating by prioritising retraining programmes, green job creation, and inclusive planning that involves maritime workers in just transition strategies. The shift creates opportunities for a range of occupations, from roles in renewable energy, fuels, and technology to professions in construction, education, and safety.
How do cities balance environmental goals with port economic impacts?
While ports support the economy both locally and regionally, the negative impacts, such as air and water pollution, traffic congestion, and noise, disproportionately impact the city and its residents. Through climate action plans, cities can align with ports on strategic climate objectives, while reaping economic, social, and environmental benefits.
How will zero-emission shipping affect port competitiveness and trade volumes?
Early adoption of zero-emission technologies positions ports as leaders in the clean economy, incentivising shipping companies and cargo owners to become first movers. Cities and ports implementing green shipping solutions can attract increased investment and future-proof the local economy.
Resources
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Cities are urgently working to clean the air to protect communities from pollution that causes 6.7 million premature deaths globally each year.
