Nature Positive Role of the Ports Sector

Determining the precise number of ports globally is challenging due to discrepancies in definitions and classifications, as well as the continuous development of new ports, while others may be decommissioned or undergo changes in their operational status. The Marine Vessel Traffic database enumerates the names and geographical locations of 4,702 ports across 170 countries.39 The World Port Index (WPI), published by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) of the United States, offers comprehensive details on over 3,700 ports globally.40 The Lloyd’s List provides comprehensive information and key characteristics on 2,916 ports.41 Ports are being constructed and expanded around the world – the value of ongoing port construction projects was $496.5 billion in Q3 2024, from the early pre-planning stages (of announcement and study) through to execution. The value of projects being tracked in Sub-Saharan Africa and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) stands at $64.9 billion and $64.5, respectively, with 43.6% and 85.2% of projects in the execution stage.42 Ports are not only vital to international economic activity but also contribute heavily to many countries’ employment and economic growth. Globally, 30 million people are employed in the port sector directly, and 90 million jobs are indirectly related to port ecosystems more broadly. It is estimated that, for every direct job in port operations, 3-4 additional jobs are created in related industries. In some African countries, up to 6% of employment is in ports, with Egypt, Morocco and South Africa seeing the highest port throughput.43 While ports contribute significantly to domestic and global economic and social development, they can have substantial negative impacts on nature. Without careful planning, port construction can destroy land and water ecosystems. Likewise, port operation and downstream economic activities can lead to varying degrees of pollution, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and species invasions. Specifically, the dramatic changes in coastline and water use caused by port construction and operations have major impacts on the marine environment. For example, loss and pollution of natural coastal ecosystems during port construction can harm marine biodiversity and reduce nature’s innate ability to protect coastal communities from flooding and storm surge, frequent dredging can suffocate benthic species (animals or plants that live in, on or near the bottom of a body of water) and disrupt the food chain, and shipping traffic can cause noise and water pollution that harm species. Given the growing volume of global trade and the potential increasing impacts on nature, it is crucial for the port sector to take action and transform port operations and value chains to contribute to nature- positive global goals. 1.2 Progress is promising but needs to accelerate International organizations and governments have long recognized the importance of mitigating environmental impacts, such as pollution and GHG emissions, from ports. The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1973, stands as a crucial international treaty dedicated to preventing marine and air pollution resulting from ship operations or accidents. Over the past five decades, it has played a pivotal role in effectively mitigating pollution and, while ships are within port boundaries, safeguarding port areas and their surrounding ecosystems. It also encourages member states to provide reception facilities at ports to support waste management and prevent pollution at sea.44 The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention), entered into force globally on 8 September 2017. Since then, ships must manage their ballast water so that aquatic organisms and pathogens are removed or rendered harmless before the ballast water is released into a new location. This is expected to help prevent the spread of invasive species as well as potentially harmful pathogens.45 EU regulations also have impacts on the construction and operation of port infrastructure. For example, the FuelEU Maritime Regulation adopted in July 2023 sets maximum limits for the yearly average GHG intensity of the energy used by ships above 5,000 gross tonnage calling at European ports, regardless of their flag.46 The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation, applicable since 13 April 2024, sets targets for the deployment of shore-side electricity supply for larger seagoing container and passenger ships in maritime ports and for inland waterway vessels.47 From 2024, the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) also covers carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from maritime transport, specifically 50% of emissions from voyages starting or ending outside of the EU and 100% of emissions from voyages between two EU ports and when ships are within EU ports. Shipping companies have to purchase and surrender (use) EU ETS emission allowances for each tonne of reported CO2 (or CO2 equivalent) emissions in the scope of the EU ETS system.48 The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation sets targets for the deployment of shore-side electricity supply for larger seagoing container and passenger ships. Nature Positive: Role of the Port Sector 15