Ports are the heartbeat of global trade, handling about 80% of the world’s goods by volume, and even more in developing economies. Yet, while they drive economic growth, port and shipping activities also create concentrated environmental and social pressures.

Shipping accounted for roughly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, much of which occurred in and around port areas. This not only contributed to climate change but also worsened local air quality in many coastal cities.

The webinar explored pathways and technological solutions for decarbonizing ports, highlighting how innovation, collaboration, and smart systems across the maritime value chain were driving measurable progress toward low-carbon outcomes. It also examined how ports could act as catalysts for decarbonization, bridging maritime and land-side efforts to build a more sustainable, resilient, and competitive port sector.

The session was the second in a webinar series showcasing global best practices in sustainable port management and how these could be adapted across Southeast Asia.

The event was organized by the ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility (ACGF) and hosted by the Southeast Asia Development Solutions (SEADS) platform. ACGF, an initiative of the ASEAN Infrastructure Fund jointly owned by ASEAN governments and ADB and managed by ADB, helped Southeast Asian governments prepare and finance green infrastructure projects that advanced sustainability and climate resilience.