Transport and Covid-19: responses and resources

Reducing Shipping Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Lessons from Port-Based Incentives
Reducing Shipping GHG Emissions cover image

This report reviews port-based incentive schemes to reduce shipping emissions, such as environmentally differentiated port fees. Greenhouse gas emissions from shipping currently represent around 2.6% of total global emissions, but this share could more than triple by 2050. Ports have a crucial role to play in facilitating the reduction of shipping emissions, alongside the ship operators themselves. Which incentives are currently used? What are their impacts? How could positive effects be increased? The report also explores lessons learned that could inform international negotiations on the reduction of shipping greenhouse gas emissions.

Policy Insights

  • Acknowledge the important role of ports in mitigating shipping emissions.
  • Expand port-based incentives for low-emission ships.
  • Link port-based incentives to actual emissions.
  • Move to a more harmonised application of green port fees.

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