PortXchange, a port call optimisation spin-off from Rotterdam Port Authority, endorsed by Green Marine, has released a new white paper, ‘Collaborative Partnerships for Effective Maritime Decarbonization – A White Paper for Global Port Leaders’, authored by Prof Dr Beatriz Canamary.
The publication is said to mark a significant advancement in the pursuit of maritime decarbonisation, bringing together the insights and experiences of industry leaders committed to reducing emissions in port operations. The white paper explores best practices, potential collaborations, and pitfalls encountered by port leaders on their journey to a decarbonised future.
The white paper draws from discussions at the Collaborative Partnerships for Effective Maritime Decarbonisation Leadership two roundtables. These events gathered US port leaders to share strategies for meeting decarbonisation targets. Moderated by Dr Canamary, considered an established expert in maritime sustainability, this roundtable has become a cornerstone for cooperative engagement within the US port sector, setting the bar for collaborative approaches to complex sustainability goals. Through PortXchange’s innovative support and Green Marine’s endorsement, the white paper emerges as a vital resource for port authorities, policymakers, and industry stakeholders who seek practical pathways to zero-emission operations.
Canamary said: “To achieve a truly sustainable and decarbonised maritime sector, we must take immediate action, leveraging digitalisation and proven strategies across ports, terminals, and operators. The success of our industry’s transformation depends on our willingness to act together, share insights, and adopt practical, scalable solutions. That’s why resources like this white paper are essential to guide our shared path forward.”
Sjoerd de Jager, CEO PortXchange, added: “Our goal is to empower ports and their partners to accelerate emissions reduction through innovative, cost-effective digital solutions. Digitalisation offers an immediate impact at a fraction of the cost of new infrastructure, enabling ports to meet their decarbonisation targets and create a cleaner, more resilient industry for the future. That’s why we are keen to support initiatives like this white paper and roundtables — collaboration is the key to meaningful change.”
As the maritime sector targets net-zero emissions by 2050, a comprehensive innovation strategy is required, encompassing new technologies, alternative fuels, and infrastructure. With the US government backing initiatives like the Department of Energy (DoE), Department of Transportation (DoT), and the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Port Initiative—and further supported by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)—US ports are positioned as enablers in this transformation. The nation’s ambitious milestones, including the scale-up of zero-emission fuel production and infrastructure, are propelling the industry toward its goals.
Among the key findings of the white paper is the immediate, significant impact of digitalisation on emissions reduction. While ports are advancing electrification, energy-saving technologies, shore power solutions, and alternative fuels, the paper underscores that digitalisation offers a powerful, cost-effective method for reducing CO2 emissions without the need for extensive new infrastructure. The two roundtable discussions highlighted that the emission-reducing potential of digitalisation is significant and replicable across ports. PortXchange is actively collaborating with ports, terminals, and shipping lines to adopt proven digital solutions, offering immediate tools like Just-in-Time arrivals and real-time emissions monitoring.
The white paper’s conclusion stresses the urgency of taking immediate action rather than waiting for consensus on the ideal fuel or infrastructure. Through digitalisation, ports can make tangible strides toward their decarbonisation targets now. PortXchange’s commitment to social responsibility and ethical practices strengthens transparency and resilience across the port value chain, ensuring that as US ports progress toward national carbon neutrality, they do so with efficiency, accountability, and a focus on long-term sustainability.
Collaborative Partnerships for Effective Maritime Decarbonization serves as a roadmap for leaders navigating this transformative journey, exemplifying the power of collective action to achieve environmental goals in the global maritime industry.
