Low-Emission Technology

Low emission technology in port environments is an increasingly important component of sustainable infrastructure development, reflecting the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining efficient and reliable global trade.

Ports are critical nodes in international supply chains and energy systems, and their operations contribute to both global emissions and local air pollution. At the same time, ports provide a strategic platform for the deployment of clean energy systems, alternative fuels, and low emission technologies, positioning them as both contributors to and enablers of decarbonization. This aligns with global priorities under the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those relating to affordable and clean energy, industry and infrastructure, sustainable cities, responsible consumption, climate action, and the protection of marine ecosystems (United Nations, 2015).

Increasingly, regulatory frameworks are reinforcing this transition, including the European Union’s Fit for 55 package, which introduces measures such as FuelEU Maritime and alternative fuels infrastructure requirements to reduce emissions from shipping and ports (European Commission, 2021). Similarly, regional regulations such as California’s At-Berth Regulation and Commercial Harbor Craft Regulation establish enforceable requirements for emissions reductions at ports, particularly through shore power, operational controls, and clean technologies (California Air Resources Board, 2020; California Air Resources Board, 2022).

The application of low emission technologies in ports supports the transition to lower carbon economies while delivering co-benefits such as improved air quality, reduced health impacts, and enhanced operational efficiency. In practice, this aspect can be understood through a set of complementary approaches that address emissions from port operations, vessels, energy systems, and associated industrial activities.

The relevance of low emission technology is particularly pronounced in DMCs, where ports are central to economic development, trade connectivity, and industrial growth. The region has experienced rapid increases in energy demand, urbanization, and maritime activity, with a significant share of global shipping passing through DMC ports. Many of these ports are located near densely populated coastal areas, where emissions from port and shipping activities contribute to local air quality challenges.

Ports are also closely integrated with industrial zones and logistics networks, positioning them as key enablers of broader energy transition efforts. Regional priorities increasingly emphasize sustainable infrastructure, energy transition, and climate resilience, and ports are expected to play a central role in achieving these objectives. The emerging role of ports in supporting supply chains for renewable energy, batteries, and offshore wind components further highlights their importance in facilitating low carbon industries and strengthening regional competitiveness (Partnerships for Infrastructure, 2025). Industry developments in the region also indicate growing momentum toward green fuel production and bunkering, with countries such as Malaysia positioning themselves as potential regional hubs for low carbon fuels (Port of Tanjung Pelepas, 2023).

The ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance provides a relevant framework for guiding investments in low emission technologies. The taxonomy establishes principles for climate change mitigation and supports transition activities that contribute to long term decarbonization pathways (ASEAN Taxonomy Board, 2025). While specific technical screening criteria for ports are still developing, many relevant activities are covered under sectors such as energy, transport, and industry.

These include:

• electrification of port operations
• shore power systems
• renewable energy integration
• alternative fuels
• emissions reduction technologies.

To be considered aligned, such activities are expected to demonstrate measurable emissions reductions and avoid significant harm to other environmental objectives. The taxonomy also recognizes transition pathways, allowing for interim solutions that support gradual decarbonization in line with regional development needs. This is particularly relevant for port infrastructure, where investments are capital intensive and long lived, requiring alignment with future regulatory and market conditions, and where multiple technology pathways may need to be considered in parallel.

Current approaches to low emission technology in ports focus on a combination of operational improvements, energy system transformation, and infrastructure development. This includes the decarbonization of port operations through electrification of cargo handling equipment and vehicles, as well as improvements in energy efficiency and digital optimization.

Shore power systems enable vessels to connect to onshore electricity while at berth, allowing vessels to power down ship auxiliary engines avoid emissions while hotelling at berth. Industry guidance, including recent recommendations for tanker applications, highlights the importance of standardized design, safety considerations, and operational integration in the deployment of shore power systems (OCIMF, 2025a).

The development of future fuels and bunkering infrastructure, including liquefied natural gas as a transitional option and emerging fuels such as methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen, is a key area of focus to support maritime decarbonization. Global projects, including green hydrogen developments linked to port infrastructure, demonstrate the increasing integration of ports into low carbon energy systems (PortsEurope, 2026).

Emission reduction technologies, such as exhaust after treatment and emissions capture systems, are also being implemented, particularly where full electrification or fuel switching is not yet feasible. Recent industry guidance on emissions capture and control at berth highlights both the potential of these technologies and the need to address safety, operational, and regulatory considerations (OCIMF, 2025b).

In parallel, ports are investing in energy infrastructure and transition readiness, including renewable energy generation, energy storage, and grid upgrades to support increased electricity demand and enhance resilience.

Ports are also increasingly supporting clean energy logistics and industrial capability, acting as hubs for offshore wind, hydrogen, and battery supply chains.

In addition, carbon management approaches, including carbon capture, utilization, and storage, as well as nature based and circular solutions, are being explored to address residual emissions.

Together, these approaches reflect a portfolio of practices that can be applied based on local conditions, development priorities, and technology maturity.

Southeast Asia presents significant opportunities for the adoption of low emission technologies in port environments. The region’s strategic location along major shipping routes creates demand for low emission services and fuels, while the availability of land and proximity to industrial clusters support infrastructure development. Growing interest from international shipping companies, investors, and development partners is further driving momentum as global regulatory and market pressures increase. Shipping companies are investing in research and development of energy efficient and/or clean fuel propulsion systems. Early adoption can enhance port competitiveness and position facilities as preferred hubs for sustainable trade.

However, many barriers remain. Infrastructure constraints, including limited grid capacity and the need for substantial capital investment, present key challenges.

Electrification reduces emissions from equipment at the point of use. Its net greenhouse-gas benefit depends partly on upstream electricity generation and the equipment displaced; where the grid relies on fossil fuels, part of the emissions avoided at the port occur instead at upstream power stations. Local exhaust reductions should therefore be distinguished from lifecycle greenhouse-gas reductions.

Uncertainty regarding future fuel pathways and evolving technology standards complicates investment decisions. So too does the ability to generate future fuels to a scale and price point suitable for vessel operations. Regulatory frameworks may vary across countries, creating inconsistencies that affect project development. Financial barriers, including high upfront costs and limited access to affordable financing, also constrain implementation, alongside gaps in technical capacity and data availability.

Addressing these challenges requires enabling conditions that support effective implementation across these different areas of intervention.

• A clear and supportive policy environment is essential to provide regulatory certainty, establish standards, and create investment signals.
• Continued development of improved technologies and technical standards is needed to enhance confidence in emerging solutions and ensure safe operation.
• Sustainable procurement practices can help drive demand for low emission technologies and embed sustainability considerations into decision making.
• Partnerships and collaboration among ports, governments, utilities, industry stakeholders, and financial institutions are critical to facilitate knowledge sharing, reduce risks, and coordinate complex initiatives. In fact, for adoption of clean marine fuels, a network of ports with reliable supplies will need to be established in within key shipping regions.
• Integrated planning approaches that consider operational decarbonization, energy infrastructure, fuel pathways, and industrial integration at a system level are also important to ensure efficient and future proof development.
• In DMCs, regional cooperation and knowledge exchange can further support alignment of strategies and accelerate progress.

Together, these enabling conditions provide a foundation for scaling low emission technologies in port environments, supporting both regional development priorities and global climate objectives.