Policies Towards Zero-Emission Maritime Port Infrastructure and Buildings

Abstract

This article synthesizes the regulatory frameworks and public policies aimed at achieving carbon neutrality in maritime port infrastructure and buildings. It focuses on a wide range of port facilities—including cargo and passenger terminals, warehouses, administrative offices, passenger stations, maintenance workshops, fire stations, control centers, fishing and recreational terminals, and auxiliary installations. Although these structures contribute a relatively small share of total maritime emissions, they are subject to an increasingly robust set of international and regional regulations. The analysis spans from the decarbonization strategies promoted by the International Maritime Organization to the European Union’s legislative efforts targeting zero-emission maritime port infrastructure and buildings by 2050. The study highlights how these policies not only address carbon neutrality but also promote resilience and sustainability within port ecosystems, positioning port infrastructure as a key component in the broader energy transition.