Port cities unite to push sustainability

That was the message delivered during a C40 Cities and IAPH reception held in London on 28 April.

“Sustainability and maritime decarbonisation are of critical interest to port cities and communities. For IAPH member ports located in or close to cities and urban areas – or owned by cities – licence to operate and to grow relies to a large extent on the support and buy-in of local communities,” said Patrick Verhoeven, managing director, IAPH. 

Aligning policy

Held alongside MEPC 84, the ‘Port cities driving a just and equitable maritime decarbonisation’ event demonstrated how cities and ports are aligning policy, investment and workforce development to reduce port emissions while strengthening port-city relations.

Speakers detailed initiatives including electrification of port operations, deployment of clean fuel infrastructure and cross-sector partnerships designed to accelerate maritime decarbonisation.

Discussions took place as IMO member states continue deliberations on the global pathway to address greenhouse gas emissions and marine pollution following earlier postponements on the Net Zero Framework.

City representatives emphasised the importance of aligning municipal and port strategies, with Oslo highlighting its zero-emissions port plan and London underscoring its role as host of the IMO.

The event reinforced how integrated approaches to port infrastructure and emissions reduction can deliver economic resilience, green jobs and stronger community engagement.

Organisers concluded that closer collaboration between regulators, cities and ports will be essential to achieving global climate targets while maintaining efficient and competitive supply chains.

The IAPH World Ports Conference 2026 will be held over three days, 3-6 November, at Olympia, London UK.