UNCTAD rolls out port energy transition course

The first programme drew 544 participants from 31 countries.

The UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has launched a new online course on Energy Transition in Ports (ETP) under its TrainForTrade programme, to help ports adapt to the energy transition as cleaner shipping, new fuels, and changing regulations reshape maritime trade.

The organisation noted the maritime sector accounts for about 2% of global energy consumption, with most ships still relying on fossil fuels. Although port operations generate a smaller share of emissions, they play a critical role in enabling cleaner shipping.

It said that the course covers methodologies, technologies, case studies, and best practices to help port communities develop lower-emission operations.

The first edition of ETP, delivered in Spanish between April and June 2026, had 544 participants from 31 countries, with women representing 47% of the cohort.

A participant from the course shared that it addressed “practical steps, from measuring emissions to identifying energy-efficiency opportunities and improving coordination across port communities.”

UNCTAD will continue the course with a workshop in Argentina in October 2026, where selected participants will present concrete solutions and share best practices for advancing the energy transition in their ports.

It forms part of TrainForTrade’s longstanding Port Management Programme, where it has trained over 13,500 port professionals across 183 countries and territories since 1996.

“The programme supports port communities in improving efficiency, boosting trade flows, enhancing resilience and advancing sustainable development,” UNCTAD said.