How leading ports worldwide are advancing green and climate-resilient solutions, and how these approaches can be adapted to Southeast Asia’s diverse port systems.
Ports handle approximately 80% of global trade, linking global production and the supply chains we rely on, contributing significantly to economic growth. They represent hubs for specialized skills and employment, and support communities by enabling the import of essential goods and emergency services. At the same time, ports sit on the frontlines of climate risk, facing sea-level rise, storm surges, pollution pressures, and growing expectations from regulators, financiers, and communities.
The transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient port operations is not only about sustainability. It is central to competitiveness, resilience, and long-term operational viability. While decarbonization remains high on the sector’s agenda, a broader set of drivers, including international and national environmental regulations, investor expectations, and the need to maintain a social license to operate, are reshaping how ports plan, invest, and operate.
Addressing these sustainability-related challenges requires innovation, operational efficiency, and sustained investment to deploy green technologies and strategies. Global experience with cleaner technologies, low-carbon fuels, circular waste solutions, and climate-adapted infrastructure demonstrates how ports can reduce costs, attract green finance, build community trust, and strengthen competitiveness in global trade.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB)-supported ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility (ACGF) Green and Resilient Ports Initiative is designed to share global lessons and promote peer learning to support greener and more resilient ports in Southeast Asia. As part of the initiative, ADB is hosting a series of Green Ports webinars focused on initiatives that have advanced sustainable growth and green port development globally. By sharing practical experiences and solutions, the series explores how these approaches can be adapted to the Southeast Asian context.
The first webinar in the series set the scene by bringing together global and regional perspectives, including Green Marine, an international benchmarking and certification body; the Port of Newcastle, as a progressive port example; Port Klang Authority, representing regional experience; and ADB, which introduced the Green and Resilient Ports Initiative.
Allison Ryan, Program Manager at Green Marine, introduced Green Marine’s voluntary environmental certification program, the most comprehensive of its kind in the maritime sector. With more than 185 participants, including over 70 ports and 60 terminals, the program drives measurable performance across 15 environmental indicators, ranging from air emissions and water quality to community relations and biodiversity protection. Its emphasis on transparent verification and continuous improvement has made it a global model for accountability and collaboration.
The discussion highlighted that the definition of a “green port” varies depending on context and perspective. Green Marine noted that the concept is often associated with terms such as environmental performance, sustainability, electrification, smart infrastructure, clean technology, waste management, energy efficiency, and climate resilience, reflecting the broad and evolving nature of what it means to be green in port operations.
Building on this framing, Ruth Madden, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability Manager at the Port of Newcastle, Australia’s largest port on the east coast and the world’s most efficient coal export port, shared how the port is evolving as a values-driven organization. Operating at around 50% capacity, the port is actively diversifying its trade base and positioning itself to support a clean energy economy, including through its Clean Energy Precinct and a planned fully automated container terminal. Sustainability is embedded at the core of the port’s ESG strategy, ensuring that environmental and social considerations are integrated into business decision-making to build a resilient and future-ready asset.
Ruth described how the port is translating its strategy into action through net-zero targets, electrification initiatives, and renewable power procurement. Initiatives such as Mobile Harbour Crane electrification, LED upgrades, and renewable energy retail agreements are reducing emissions and operating costs while laying the foundation for the Clean Energy Precinct, a cornerstone for future green fuels and diversified trade.
Capt. Subramaniam Karuppiah, General Manager of Port Klang Authority, highlighted Malaysia’s leadership in low-carbon port development, aligned with national frameworks such as the Green Port Policy (2020–2025) and the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (2021–2030).
As one of the world’s busiest ports, handling over 14.6 million TEUs and 214 million tonnes of cargo annually across a 16-kilometre port zone, Port Klang is integrating sustainability across both infrastructure and operations. Initiatives include solar power installations, LNG bunkering, electric vehicle patrol fleets, and mangrove rehabilitation.
Capt. Subramaniam emphasized that while international shipping benefits from a coherent global regulatory regime, ports lack an equivalent, consistent framework. More holistic and harmonized green port regulations and standards are needed to drive consistent sustainability outcomes across the sector.
He also reflected on the practical realities of greening an operational port, noting that many facilities are aging while new infrastructure must be delivered to low-carbon standards without disrupting day-to-day operations. Ensuring continuity of trade, managing financial constraints, and prioritizing investments strategically remain key challenges. He underscored the importance of government financial support to enable the transition, stressing that while progress must be balanced and pragmatic, there is no excuse for inaction. Port Klang remains committed to advancing a green and resilient port future.
Adrian Sammons from ADB placed these case studies within ADB’s Green and Resilient Ports Initiative, which is developing a strategy, guidance note, and toolkit to guide sustainable port development in developing member countries. The initiative will provide practical guidance, standards, and financing pathways to accelerate low-carbon infrastructure and strengthen port resilience across the region. Together, these tools aim to bridge policy and practice, mobilize innovative finance, align regional standards, and deliver tangible environmental, social, and economic outcomes across Southeast Asia’s maritime sector.
Key insights from this initial webinar indicate that ports are well positioned to lead the transition toward greener and more resilient operations. However, regulatory enforcement, technological advancements, and access to investment remain uneven across regions. This further reinforces the need for a clear and consistent understanding of what constitutes a green and resilient port.
The momentum generated through ADB’s Green and Resilient Ports Initiative presents a unique opportunity for Southeast Asia’s ports to translate global lessons into regional action.
Collaboration among port authorities, governments, the private sector, financiers, and development partners will be essential. By aligning infrastructure planning, governance frameworks, and financing strategies, these stakeholders can accelerate the transition to low-carbon and climate resilient ports and deliver long-term environmental and social value alongside trade efficiency.
Building green and resilient ports is not a one-off project. It is a shared journey that depends on innovation, transparency, and partnership. As this series continues, Southeast Asia’s ports have the opportunity to redefine their role in global trade as sustainability leaders, stewards of coastal communities, and pioneers of a low-carbon maritime future.
Sustainability is an ongoing evolution rather than a fixed destination. The journey toward green and resilient ports begins with shared learning, collaboration, and commitment. Future webinars in the series will delve deeper into the policies, technologies, and financing approaches shaping the next generation of sustainable ports.
Sign up to ADB’s next Green Ports Webinar.