New Clear Seas and C40 Cities guide on financing port energy transitions
Clear Seas has collaborated with C40 Cities, the global network of mayors taking action on climate change, to release Increasing Capital Investments in Ports – A Practical Toolkit. The new guide was created to help policymakers, port authorities, and investors to secure funding for infrastructure modernization and green technology integration.
The report highlights the expanding role of ports as energy hubs and the lack of funding for high-impact projects, such as providing shore power or cleaner fuels. It suggests adapting public subsidies based on a project’s commercial and societal value.
To support port financing, the report provides a series of best practices, illustrated with real-world examples relevant to various contexts, such as:
- Setting clear and measurable goals
Example: Singapore’s master plan for port vessel electrification, which sets a 2030 target and includes a financial support framework. - Establishing a harmonized regulatory framework
Example: The European Union approach, where the alignment of public funding rules has created an environment conducive to long-term investment. - Concentrating public funding at an early stage
Example: The H2Global mechanism, which guarantees purchase prices for green hydrogen to ensure profitability right from the start. - Recognizing the broader value of ports
Example: Oman's ports, serving not only as maritime transit points, but also as industrial hubs capable of attracting structuring investments for the economy.
The report also provides a practical toolkit to guide the selection of organizational models and the combination of financing approaches best suited to different types of investments. It is based on a clear project typology reflecting both profitability and social value.
While ports account for only a fraction of global infrastructure needs, the report estimates they stand to benefit from approximately 3% to 4% of the investments required for a successful energy transition.