Ocean Economy Imperative 2026

Even this figure likely understates the ocean’s true value, as it excludes the domestic consumption of goods, reliance of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and industrial hubs on ocean and ports, and valuation of ocean-related startups. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) BOX 1 Economic contribution of ocean start-ups BOX 2 The 1000 Ocean Startups (1000OS) is the global ocean impact innovation ecosystem, convening 62 entrepreneur-support organizations that advance “ocean-positive” start-ups. Coalition members back innovation across offshore renewables, alternative fuel shipping, aquaculture, nature-based restoration and circular-ocean solutions – sectors where early-stage valuations and scaling potential could materially expand the recognized ocean economy. 1000OS reported in June 2025 that its members had supported 550+ start-ups so far, with a combined minimum estimated total enterprise value of $11.25- 14.64 billion.24 The valuation of all ocean-related startups is estimated to be $120 billion, which although still small compared to the total ocean economy, has the potential to grow to roughly $1.3 trillion based on even conservative historical climate tech valuation-to-revenue multiples.25 Official estimates of the ocean economy tend to rely on metrics such as export values, often under- capturing the value of emerging technologies and future market potential. As these start-ups scale and attract capital, their innovations could push the ocean economy well beyond conventional figures as new markets mature.Ports frequently serve as the foundation for free trade zones, special economic zones and industrial clusters, amplifying their economic impact far beyond cargo handling. The Port of Shanghai, for instance, anchors the Pudong Free Trade Zone in China, which includes industrial areas such as Waigaoqiao, Yangshan and Lingang. While the port itself manages immense cargo throughput, the surrounding Pudong zone generated approximately RMB 1.78 trillion ($248- 250 billion) in GDP in 2024,21 highlighting the substantial value created through port-adjacent trade, logistics and industrial activity. Similarly, the Port of Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates supports the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), which contributes roughly 36 % of Dubai’s GDP and facilitates $190 billion in annual trade.22 However, even ports already recognized as economically significant often understate their true contribution when measured in isolation. The Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, for example, was found to generate nearly twice the previously calculated GDP impact, totaling approximately €45.6 billion ($50 billion) – or 6.2 % of national value added – when accounting for additional economic activity enabled by the port.23 This pattern is likely mirrored in other major port hubs worldwide, where port infrastructure catalyzes clusters of trade, industry and services that conventional ocean economy estimates fail to capture. Low-carbon ocean economy *Note: The original report that identifies and sizes the decarbonization potential of these sectors also includes ecosystem restoration/conservation and fisheries/aquaculture/dietary shifts, but they have been excluded from this section as they are addressed later in the report. Although decarbonization solutions and decarbonized alternatives theoretically exist for all ocean economy activity, the low-carbon ocean sectors expected to most meaningfully drive decarbonization are ocean-based renewable energy, ocean-based transport and marine carbon dioxide removals (mCDRs). The total decarbonization potential of these sectors is estimated at 0.67 to 1.72 GtCO2 annually by 2030, and 2.16 to 9.2 GtCO2 annually by 2060.26* In terms of market size, these sectors total roughly $120 billion. Offshore wind investment reached a record $77 billion in 2023;27 about 8.5%28 – equivalent to $41 billion – of the global shipping fleet is now alternative fuel-ready; and investment in mCDRs hit a high of $100 million in 2024.29 The Ocean Economy Imperative: Defining Value, Managing Risk and Mobilizing Investment 7