GNV News, 2 August 2026

On July 29, the World Bank released a regional report on the maritime sector in the East Asia and Pacific region. This region is one of the most trade-dependent in the world, and maritime transport is positioned as the lifeline of its economy. The World Bank estimates that about 900 billion US dollars of investment will be needed in the region by 2040, citing not only the need to address aging infrastructure but also the necessity of environmental measures, including decarbonization.

Sea transport is the main mode of transportation for global trade, accounting for more than about 80% of world trade volume (by weight), according to a report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. At the same time, the maritime sector is also a source of greenhouse gases and air pollutants, and the decarbonization of the industry has been identified as an international challenge.

In the East Asia and Pacific region in particular, port activities and ship transport are highly concentrated, and the World Bank report points to the need for a shift toward a sustainable maritime system that treats ports, ships, and fuels in an integrated way. To this end, current reforms in the maritime sector are expected to shift from a focus on efficiency to a focus on decarbonization. However, this is not simply a matter of introducing new technologies; it requires the integrated restructuring of ships, ports, and fuel supply chains. As a result, the scale of investment will far exceed that of conventional infrastructure development.

Because alternative fuels are produced, transported, and stored at ports and ultimately supplied to ships, in effect a new supply method must be developed in parallel with the existing system. Nevertheless, such efforts remain limited, and low-carbon fuels have yet to become widespread. Behind this is uncertainty regarding both demand and supply on the side of ship operators and fuel suppliers. Taking this into account, the World Bank report highlights the need for the simultaneous development of ships, fuel supply, and port infrastructure, supported by predictable regulation and coordinated investment.

Decarbonization requires enormous upfront investment. While leveraging private investment and establishing international financing frameworks are essential, the distribution of costs and benefits is still likely to be uneven.

The future of the maritime sector in East Asia and the Pacific is not just about logistics systems; it stands at the forefront of whether a shift toward sustainability can be achieved.

Learn more about shipping and greenhouse gases → “Shipping and Greenhouse Gas Emissions”

Cargo in Singapore (Photo: chuttersnap / Wikimedia Commons [CC0 1.0]