THE decarbonisation of shipping is frequently framed in terms of fuels, vessels and regulations. It often overlooks ports, even though they sit at the centre of the challenge and the solution.

Ports are capital-intensive and energy-hungry, but they also hold the levers to accelerate change at scale. By providing the infrastructure, clean energy and operational efficiency that new vessels require, ports can either unlock or constrain the decarbonisation of maritime transport.

Green shipping readiness

Much of the industry conversation focuses on ships and fuel, but even the greenest of vessels cannot deliver its promise if the ports it visits are not ready. Shore power, bunkering for alternative fuels, renewable electricity and digital scheduling are all essential to ensure that efficiency and emissions gains at sea are not lost in port.

For example, Dubai’s Jebel Ali Port recently welcomed the world’s largest and most environmentally friendly car carrier, Höegh Sunrise, on its maiden call from Europe. Capable of running on future fuels such as ammonia and methanol, the vessel reduces emissions per car transported by 58% compared with current standards.

“Green shipping will only succeed if ports evolve alongside vessels, providing the infrastructure, clean energy and operational efficiency that new technologies demand,” said Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and MD, DP World GCC.

Electrification is another key lever. At Jebel Ali, more than 100 electric internal terminal vehicles have already been converted, with more planned, showing that port infrastructure can evolve in parallel with shipping technology.

Clean energy as the foundation

Ports must also rethink their own energy models. At Jebel Ali, for example, all electricity use is matched with renewable energy certificates, and the Middle East’s largest rooftop solar project generates enough power to offset nearly 50,000 tonnes of CO2 each year.

However, only when renewable energy becomes the standard baseline for ports worldwide will the industry achieve meaningful reductions. While decarbonisation is essential, sustainability cannot be defined solely in carbon terms.

Ports are often located in fragile marine environments, and their long-term license to operate depends on protecting these ecosystems.

At Dubai’s Mina Rashid terminal, the UAE’s first land-based coral nursery is achieving 50x faster growth than in nature, with over 90% survival. Nine online water monitoring stations also track water quality in real-time, ensuring that biodiversity is preserved

Profitability and sustainability are not at odds

“One of the lingering misconceptions in the maritime sector is that green initiatives are a cost burden. In fact, the greenest solutions often prove to be the most efficient and competitive. The ports that recognise this are the ones attracting cargo, capital and customers,” said Abdulla.

For example, offshore bunkering at Jebel Ali allows ships to refuel at anchor rather than calling at port, reducing congestion and emissions while also lowering operating costs and improving service reliability. Investors, too, are rewarding ports that lead on decarbonisation through instruments such as green sukuks and blue bonds, which are now helping scale electrification and renewable integration.

Collaboration is the real multiplier

No port, shipping line or government can deliver net zero alone. The Gemini Cooperation operational collaboration between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd shows what’s possible when carriers pool fleets and data to reduce duplication.

Similarly, partnerships between ports, municipalities and rail networks can cut emissions across the wider supply chain. If ports move in isolation, they risk creating fragmented systems within which sustainability gains are diluted. When they align with carriers, regulators and financiers, the impact compounds.

“The maritime industry faces a stark choice. It can view decarbonisation as a compliance exercise, or it can align ships, fuels and port infrastructure in a system-wide transition. Ports will boldly have to step into their role as facilitators keeping electrification, renewable power, stewardship and collaboration front and centre”, concluded Abdulla Bin Damithan.

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