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Posted by David Sexton
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22 June, 2026
CLIMATE, nature and people-related risks shaping seaports are among the key topics discussed in a briefing paper prepared for the World Economic Forum.
The paper, entitled Future-Proofing Ports: Nature, Climate and People as Drivers of Competitiveness, was released this month.
According to the authors, ports are the backbone of the global economy, handling more than 80% of global trade.
Yet while 83% of Fortune Global 500 companies are reported to have climate targets, just 25% have freshwater consumption targets, and just 5% address biodiversity loss.
Just 5% are reported to have assessed their impacts on nature, and fewer than 1% understand their dependencies.
“For the port sector, this gap represents a major opportunity: nature strategies could unlock more than $54 billion in cumulative value by 2030,” the authors wrote.
“People, including the workforce and surrounding communities, are central to the port ecosystem.
“The maritime sector directly employs 30 million people and supports a further 90 million jobs indirectly.
“According to the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report 2025, 77% of employers expect training investments to boost productivity, while 70% see them improving competitiveness.
“At the same time, maintaining a social licence to operate is critical, as local perceptions can influence project credibility, reputational exposure and delivery timelines.”
Future-proof ports are said to be designed, operated and governed to remain competitive, resilient and sustainable as geopolitical, economic and regulatory conditions evolve.
Key aspects of future proof ports, according to the WEF, include:
– Port ecosystem: Companies across the value chain and co-located industries align around a shared vision to drive coordinated action and more efficient operations.
– Nature and climate: Operations take place within planetary boundaries and safe marine systems by reducing emissions, protecting ecosystems and enabling the maritime green transition at scale.
– Energy transition and digitalisation: Clean energy infrastructure is deployed at scale, and green corridors have the necessary infrastructure.
– Secure, safe and inclusive: Security is placed at the centre of operations to strengthen resilience to external shocks.
