As is known, nine out of every ten cargoes in world trade are carried out by maritime transport. This movement of cargo across the seas is made possible by a significant amount of energy, and almost all of this energy is still provided by fossil fuels; consequently, it leads to carbon emissions. Therefore, the maritime sector plays a strategic role in reducing global carbon emissions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) aims for the sector to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 [1]. In line with this, the United Kingdom, with its Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy published on March 25, 2025, has committed to reducing emissions from maritime activities by 30% by 2030, and 80% by 2040, reaching net zero by 2050 [2].
UK ports, with a total of over 120 ports, form the backbone of the country’s foreign trade and the vast majority are concentrated in major ports. In 2024, a total of 429.7 million tons of cargo were handled, and container traffic reached 21.3 million TEU. In the first quarter of 2025, the total tonnage reached 425.9 million tons with a 2% increase, and container traffic continued at 21.3 million units with a 2% increase.
In recent years, practices aiming for end-to-end carbon neutrality in ports have been spreading. In 2022, during the period when I served as Technical Manager at the British Chamber of Shipping, we shared our views on behalf of the sector with the ministry regarding the proliferation of shore power infrastructure. At that time, there was only limited capacity application in two ports; this clearly showed the investment costs and financing challenges. These calls from the ministry for views from the sector are still ongoing, and as of March 2025, under the ongoing Net Zero Ports call, issues such as shore power, zero-emission fuel bunkering, and on-site renewable energy infrastructure in ports are being re-evaluated [3]. Organizations like Innovate UK are running programs aimed at strengthening knowledge sharing between ports and public-private sector cooperation [4][5]. Furthermore, reports from the UK Parliament’s Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) have also emphasized that shore power infrastructure in ports is a priority investment area, and the government has supported these recommendations [6][7].
On a global scale, the IMO’s Net Zero Framework is being adopted by the international maritime community with an increasingly broad consensus. Sector representatives emphasize that achieving this goal will only be possible not only through technical transformation but also through the effective design of common standards and global financial mechanisms (World Shipping Council, 2024). Since it is known that Turkey also has an active role in relevant international platforms during this process, it is important for port operators to provide technical contributions and ideas to the relevant maritime administration.
At the MEPC (ES.2) second extraordinary session taking place this week (October 14–17, 2025) in London, which I am also attending, the principles for using the IMO Net Zero Fund are expected to be decided. According to the envisaged mechanism, under the carbon levy system planned for implementation starting from 2027, it is foreseen that ships over 5000 gross tonnage will pay a fee of 100 USD per ton for their emissions. It is planned that this fee will be gradually increased to 380 USD by 2030, and approximately 65% of the resulting fund will be allocated to green transformation projects for ships, and 35% to infrastructure modernization and technology transfer for ports in developing countries.
The system also foresees a market-based incentive mechanism by providing the opportunity for carbon credit trading to ships whose emission performance remains below targets. Although the US administration has explicitly rejected this process, describing it as “a cost-increasing initiative for our citizens, our energy providers, and our transportation companies,” it is seen that the search for consensus continues in multilateral negotiations. Therefore, despite all political tensions, the probability of a balanced decision emerging from the meeting that will enable the effective use of the fund is still strong.
In the lobbying activities carried out during this process, the effective representation of the port sector is of critical importance for our country to get a share from this new global financial mechanism. While I have been providing technical advisory support to the Turkish delegation on this matter for about four years, I also directly witnessed the strategic role of ports in these fund structures during my previous work with the United Kingdom delegation. Consequently, involving ports in the process with their transformation projects in these meetings, like all stakeholders, will mean not only environmental gains but also access to potential investment resources worth billions of dollars.
At this point, it is of great importance that lobbying activities are carried out in a coordinated, technically-based, and sustainable manner. Because being visible in international decision-making mechanisms is a prerequisite not only for political but also for economic and strategic gains.
Shore electricity infrastructure, zero-emission fuel supply, and renewable energy applications are becoming widespread in main ports. Ports such as Aberdeen, London, Belfast, and ABP are trying to achieve Net Zero targets through fleet electrification, biofuel use, and renewable energy projects. However, grid capacity and financing needs remain limiting factors. The UK plans to invest in strategic port transformations in line with its 2030 and 2040 targets for green energy production. This process will both reduce carbon emissions and create economic opportunities worth billions of Pounds. International cooperation and technical innovation play a critical role in the success of this transformation.
Infrastructure and Financing Challenges
Ports achieving net zero targets requires comprehensive infrastructure investments. According to a report prepared by Marine Capital and UMAS, approximately at least £75 billion of investment will be needed over the next thirty years for the carbon-neutral transition of the United Kingdom’s maritime sector [8]. A significant portion of this amount will be allocated to the renewal of port infrastructure, fleet transformation, and the widespread adoption of zero-carbon technologies.
However, the existing electricity grid capacity limits the pace of port transformation. According to data from the British Ports Association, 7 out of the 10 largest ports in England and Wales are operating close to grid capacity [7]. This situation makes the integration of shore power systems and electrical infrastructure difficult. Government reports also reveal that ensuring additional electricity supply is critical for ports transitioning to carbon neutrality [7].
Therefore, strengthening public-private partnerships and developing new financing models are essential for the sustainability of the transformation [8].
Example Port Initiatives
Port of Aberdeen (Scotland): Aiming to become the UK’s first “net zero port,” Aberdeen is planning a £55 million investment to achieve its net zero target by 2040 [9][10]. The electrification of the port’s vehicle fleet, the use of hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO), and shore power systems for passenger ships are key steps in this process. As of 2023, it was determined that 98.6% of the port’s total emissions came from ships (Scope 3), and based on this data, Aberdeen became the first UK port to implement holistic carbon management that includes ship-borne emissions [11]. In this context, the port, with support from a specialized engineering firm, tracks its calculations annually and has made this process more participatory through internal meetings.
Port of London Authority (London): The PLA, which operates the busiest port operations on the River Thames, has set a net zero target for 2040 [12]. Vessels in the fleet have been converted to biofuel (HVO), and clean energy has begun to be supplied to ships docked in the port via the shore power facility installed at Barrier Gardens Pier [13]. Furthermore, by switching to a 100% renewable electricity tariff, the PLA has halved its carbon emissions since 2014 [12].
Belfast Harbour (Northern Ireland): Belfast Harbour, which is well ahead of its 2030 target, reduced its direct operational emissions by 18% in 2023 [14][15][16]. The electrification of the port’s vehicle fleet, the use of HVO fuel, and the transition to 100% renewable energy were decisive in this success. Belfast is on track to become the UK’s first net zero port operator before 2030 [15].
Associated British Ports (ABP): ABP, the country’s largest private port operator, aims to decarbonize by 2040 through its £2 billion “Ready for Tomorrow” investment plan [17][18]. Of this budget, £600 million is allocated to its own operations, and £1.4 billion is allocated to its customers’ renewable energy projects. ABP’s 21 ports have a total installed renewable energy capacity of 29 MW, a shore power facility for ships has been established at the Port of Southampton, and a floating wind turbine assembly site has been built in Port Talbot [19].
Forth Ports (Scotland): By replacing diesel fuel in its fleet with HVO, it has reduced its emissions by 90% [20]. Despite increased fuel costs, this transition has strengthened the company’s long-term commitment to carbon neutrality. Forth Ports plans to achieve its net zero target by 2042.
The Role of Ports in Renewable Energy Projects
UK ports are not only hubs for cargo and container transportation but are also emerging as strategic centers for achieving green energy production and carbon neutrality targets. Particularly, Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) projects necessitate the strengthening of port infrastructure’s industrial capacity and logistical capabilities. According to a RenewableUK report, for the UK to reach 34 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2040, at least 11 ports need to be transformed into industrial hubs.
This transformation requires the establishment of new facilities with heavy lifting capacity for turbine production, assembly, and logistics, as well as the efficient use of coastal areas. The UK Infrastructure Bank emphasizes that these investments need to be accelerated by 2030.
The same ports are also implementing carbon reduction measures such as fleet electrification, biofuel use, shore power infrastructure, and renewable energy projects in line with Net Zero targets. For example, Aberdeen, London, Belfast, and ABP ports are carrying out comprehensive investments both to reduce their operational emissions and to provide logistical support for floating wind projects. This strategic approach, by combining carbon neutral targets with renewable energy production goals, is turning ports into critical hubs both environmentally and economically.
The following two tables integratively show the UK ports’ 2024-2025 traffic data, Net Zero targets, and contributions to FLOW projects:
Table-1: Port Requirements and Targets for Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) [23. 24. 25].
Category
Current Status & Targets
Required Port Investments & Expected Benefits
Capacity Target
There is a FLOW capacity target of 5GW for 2030 and 34GW for 2040
11 ports need to be transformed into industrial hubs
Current Port Status
There are currently no ports in the UK capable of handling industrial-scale FLOW.
Key investment areas: Channel access, waterfront land availability, crane capacity, and strategic development of the supply chain
Financing Need
Approximately £4 billion in early investment is needed for UK FLOW targets
The investment will create ~45,000 new job opportunities and play a significant role in the UK achieving its 2050 Net Zero target
Table-2: UK ports’ 2024-2025 traffic data and Net Zero targets.
Port
2024 Cargo Tonnage (million tons)
Container (million TEU)
Net Zero Target
FLOW / Renewable Energy Contributions
Main Decarbonization Measures
Port of Aberdeen
12.4
0.8
2040
Infrastructure for turbine logistics and assembly
Fleet electrification, HVO fuel, shore power
Port of London Authority
35.6
5.2
2040
Thames River FLOW logistics support
Biofuel, shore power, 100% renewable energy
Belfast Harbour
8.7
0.6
2030
Potential FLOW assembly and supply hub
Fleet electrification, HVO, 100% renewable energy
ABP (21 ports)
200.3
10.5
2040
Floating wind farms and renewable energy investments
Renewable energy investment, shore power
Forth Ports
5.4
0.3
2042
FLOW logistics and industrial infrastructure
HVO use, fleet transformation, energy efficiency
Humber Freeport is one of the notable examples of this transformation. Located in the east of the UK, this freeport area has become one of the hubs of the supply chain in wind turbine manufacturing. Turbine components produced in facilities developed here by Siemens Gamesa are shipped directly to offshore wind farms, while pilot electrolyzer projects for green hydrogen production are also being carried out within the port area.
This approach shows that ports are being redefined not only as logistical centers but also as areas of production and transformation in the energy transition.
CONCLUSION:
UK ports are undergoing a strategic transformation process in line with net zero targets. The electrification of vehicle fleets, the use of biofuels, shore power infrastructure, and renewable energy projects are the pioneering steps of this transformation. However, for these steps to be successful, it is necessary to increase grid capacity, diversify financing mechanisms, and strengthen cross-sector coordination.
Many ports, from London to Aberdeen, from Belfast to Southampton, are taking a leading role in the energy transition. Experts emphasize that for this transformation to be sustainable, political alignment at the international level, long-term investment support, and technological innovation must progress simultaneously [7][8]. In conclusion, ports are the intersection point of the carbon-neutral economy: A successful green transformation is possible with strategic planning, strong financing, and determined leadership.
Dr. Önder Canbulat
MO Delegate Advisor | Advisory Board Member | CEng
