The global maritime industry is accelerating toward lower emissions, driven by stricter regulations, new fuel technologies, and rising expectations from trade partners. For many African countries, keeping pace with this transition is challenging—but failing to adapt carries far greater risks.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has made it clear that avoiding the shift to greener shipping is not an option. Its 2023 greenhouse gas strategy sets a target for the shipping industry to reach net-zero emissions by around 2050. Signs of change are already visible: green methanol-fuelled vessels are entering service, and major ports in Europe and Asia are preparing for ammonia and other alternative fuels. Equipment such as electric cranes, digital yard systems, and shore-power connections is becoming standard in advanced maritime hubs.
Africa, however, starts from a different baseline. Many ports still rely on diesel-powered machinery, lack green bunkering infrastructure, and operate older vessels on regional routes. This creates a widening gap between global progress and local readiness. Yet the transition is unavoidable, particularly as compliance with international green standards increasingly determines market access.
Although Africa contributes relatively little to global maritime emissions, the continent is highly exposed to climate impacts. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events threaten coastal infrastructure, ports, and trade corridors. Meanwhile, mechanisms such as Europe’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) are placing a premium on low-carbon transport. Exporters could face higher costs if supply chains fail to align with greener standards, making cleaner port operations, emissions monitoring, and more efficient logistics essential.
Financing the transition remains the central challenge. Moving to low-carbon maritime operations requires significant investment in infrastructure, energy systems, and technology. Gareth Phillips, Manager for Climate and Environmental Finance at the African Development Bank (AfDB), highlighted the bank’s role in supporting this shift.
A practical example is the Port of Cotonou, where AfDB-funded climate-resilience measures to counter rising sea levels enabled Benin to unlock $18 million in concessional co-financing from the Canadian AfDB Climate Facility. According to Phillips, structured support like this is critical for securing climate-aligned financing. Green port projects that also deliver community resilience, improved safety, or gender-inclusive benefits tend to attract stronger international backing—but they require careful planning and technical preparation.
Regulation will continue to drive the maritime transition. The IMO’s GHG strategy, reporting obligations, emissions monitoring, and fuel standards directly influence port operations and vessel access. James Ng’ang’a, Ports and Maritime Transport expert at AfDB, noted that the bank works closely with African governments to align national maritime policies with these international requirements.
In Seychelles, the AfDB is supporting the Ports Authority in developing the Strategic Investment Plan 2025–2030, embedding climate resilience and sustainability into future port development. In Namibia, the bank, in partnership with the Government of South Korea, is helping draft a Green Port Policy, Strategy, and Investment Plan, with implementation expected in 2026, creating a structured path toward sustainable port operations.
Collaboration is essential. African ports cannot transition alone; development banks, shipping companies, and local authorities must coordinate to reduce knowledge gaps, share best practices, and implement practical solutions. In South Africa, AfDB’s technical assistance to Transnet focuses on designing energy-efficiency measures and exploring renewable energy options for port operations, enhancing performance while preparing for low-carbon compliance.
The cost of delay is high. Falling behind on decarbonisation risks trade competitiveness. Shipping lines may prefer greener routes, exporters may face higher CBAM penalties, and ports unprepared for climate impacts could see cargo delays, disruptions, and increased insurance costs. According to Phillips, adopting cleaner technologies, improving emissions reporting, and integrating climate considerations into port planning can protect African exporters while strengthening access to international markets.
The AfDB is also exploring emerging financing tools to support maritime sustainability. While a dedicated maritime decarbonisation fund does not yet exist, mechanisms like the Adaptation Benefits Mechanism aim to channel levies from high-emitting industries into climate-resilient projects, helping ports withstand rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
Interest in blue economy strategies is growing across the continent. By integrating maritime transport, coastal tourism, fisheries, and renewable marine energy into national development plans, these programs can support a broader transition toward greener, sustainable ocean-based economies.
The global shift toward low-carbon shipping is accelerating. For Africa, the transition is challenging—but unavoidable. While the continent has not historically driven maritime emissions, African ports and exporters must adapt to remain competitive as sustainability standards increasingly dictate trade access. Decarbonisation is no longer optional—it is essential for market access, cost efficiency, and long-term resilience. The real question is how quickly African ports can prepare and how effectively they can mobilise the support required.
