That was the message delivered during a C40 Cities and IAPH reception held in London on 28 April.<\/p>\n
\u201cSustainability 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,\u201d said Patrick Verhoeven, managing director, IAPH. <\/p>\n
Aligning policy<\/strong><\/p>\n Held alongside MEPC 84, the \u2018Port cities driving a just and equitable maritime decarbonisation\u2019 event demonstrated how cities and ports are aligning policy, investment and workforce development to reduce port emissions while strengthening port-city relations.<\/p>\n Speakers detailed initiatives including electrification of port operations, deployment of clean fuel infrastructure and cross-sector partnerships designed to accelerate maritime decarbonisation.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The event reinforced how integrated approaches to port infrastructure and emissions reduction can deliver economic resilience, green jobs and stronger community engagement.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n