C40 Cities, together with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), has launched a new global initiative to boost investment in sustainable port infrastructure.
C40 is a network of nearly 100 major cities around the world working together to tackle the climate crisis through urban and infrastructure decarbonisation initiatives.
Announced at the C40 World Mayors Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the Global Port Sustainability-Linked Loan (SLL) Initiative aims to unlock $1 billion in green finance within three years to support port decarbonisation projects, especially in developing economies.
The partnership will create a global framework for sustainability-linked loans, where financing terms are tied to measurable environmental goals such as lower emissions and energy efficiency. It will also offer technical support, blended finance options, and training programmes to help ports access funding.
The initiative builds on earlier cooperation between C40 and IFC and aims to prepare more than 50 zero-emission port and shipping projects by 2030, cutting emissions by up to 40% by 2035.
C40 said the move will help close a major funding gap for green port infrastructure, while IAPH described it as an important step in providing ports with access to finance for low- and zero-carbon energy projects.
