ISL position paper: Investment needs for sustainable ports

Ports are central hubs in the international movement of goods and play a key role in energy supply and the transformation to a climate-neutral economy. As part of the energy transition, fossil fuels must be replaced by alternative, climate-friendly imports such as ammonia or methanol. At the same time, requirements are increasing due to the expansion of offshore wind energy and security policy developments.

In order for seaports and inland ports to be able to fulfil these tasks, considerable investment in their infrastructure is required, both for the maintenance and adaptation of existing facilities and for the construction of new specialised terminals. Without targeted measures, there is a risk of bottlenecks in the handling of important energy sources and components as well as disadvantages for the competitiveness of the German and European economy.

Financing is particularly critical. The current distribution of funds from the ‘Infrastructure and Climate Neutrality’ special fund penalises the coastal states responsible for seaports. However, as the ports fulfil not only regional but also key macroeconomic and geopolitical functions, ISL is calling for the federal government to make a greater contribution to investments in port infrastructure.

The current ISL position paper ‘Investment requirements for sustainable ports’ shows what investments are necessary and what strategic importance they have for the energy transition, the economy and resilience. You can download this paper in german using the following link.