Ports accelerate green infrastructure push amidst shift to alternative fuels
Asia remains the dominant hub, handling around 60% of global container ship calls.
Ports are moving from sustainability commitments to practical implementation as the maritime industry accelerates efforts to adopt alternative fuels, electrification, and cleaner operations in 2025, according to the 2026 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index (ISCD).
Global investment in green port infrastructure is increasing, with shipping hubs developing fuel facilities, shore power systems and energy solutions to support the transition away from conventional fuels.
"In practice, however, progress is becoming more uneven," the report noted. "Some initiatives are advancing towards implementation whilst others remain at earlier stages of development."
UNCTAD’s Review of Maritime Transport 2025 highlighted the growing role of ports in the shipping industry’s energy transition. As shipping lines explore alternative fuels, ports are expanding bunkering capacity and related infrastructure to support future vessel operations.
Nearly 200 ports worldwide were already offering LNG bunkering services by 2024, and the number is expected to continue growing.
Ports that can provide alternative fuel options are gaining a competitive advantage by attracting more vessel calls and strengthening their role in global trade networks.
Asia remains at the center of this shift, accounting for about 60% of global container ship port calls. China, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea remain amongst the world’s most connected maritime hubs, supported by continued investment in port capacity and infrastructure.
The transition is also creating operational challenges. Whilst container ship activity remained stable in 2024, congestion and longer handling times increased in several regions due to disrupted trade routes, rerouted traffic and capacity constraints.
A 2025 study by the New Energies Coalition found that ports are evolving into multienergy hubs that combine electrification, renewable power and alternative fuel infrastructure.
Ports including Los Angeles, Singapore, and Le Havre are developing integrated systems to support lower-emission shipping.
Shore power is also expanding, with major ports investing in systems that allow vessels to use electricity whilst berthed instead of running onboard engines. China, in particular, has expanded shore power deployment across major ports.
Despite these developments, significant barriers remain. Ports must manage high infrastructure costs, uncertain fuel choices, and coordination challenges among governments, shipping companies and energy providers.
Whilst hydrogen, ammonia, electrification, and other alternatives are developing, no single fuel pathway has emerged as the industry standard.
Green shipping corridors face similar challenges. Although the number of initiatives is increasing, many remain at early stages and require stronger cooperation between ports, shipowners, fuel suppliers, and regulators before they can operate at scale.
Regulations are also driving investment. European ports are required to provide shore-side electricity for vessels at berth by 2030, forcing upgrades to power systems and port infrastructure.
"The shift from ambition to delivery is therefore no longer theoretical," the report said. "It is being shaped by infrastructure decisions, regulatory deadlines and competition between ports to secure their place in evolving global trade networks."
