The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore have launched a partnership aimed at accelerating the shift toward cleaner and more resilient global shipping, as the industry faces mounting pressure to cut emissions without disrupting trade flows.
Ports handle more than 80% of global trade by volume, making them central to economic activity but also a significant source of energy consumption and carbon emissions. The new agreement seeks to address that tension by promoting sustainable practices while maintaining efficiency and competitiveness.
“This partnership brings together Singapore’s operational excellence and UNCTAD’s global development expertise,” said Pedro Manuel Moreno. “It will help accelerate a maritime transition that is not only greener and more efficient, but also resilient and inclusive – while contributing to global discussions at the UN Global Supply Chain Forum 2026.”
The collaboration deepens UNCTAD’s engagement with Singapore, one of the world’s busiest and most technologically advanced port hubs, and reflects a broader push to scale practical solutions across global shipping networks.
Singapore’s position as a leading maritime center is expected to serve as a testing ground for innovations that can be deployed more widely, while UNCTAD will provide policy support and technical expertise, particularly in developing economies.
Under the agreement, the partners will promote the adoption of cleaner fuels and digital technologies across ports and shipping systems. The initiative also includes knowledge-sharing on sustainable finance, digital innovation and workforce development, areas seen as critical to enabling long-term transformation.
The emphasis is on scalable solutions that can be adapted to different national contexts, particularly in countries with limited resources to modernise port infrastructure. A core element of the partnership is support for developing countries, including training programs, advisory services and institutional capacity building.
The initiative builds on UNCTAD’s existing work with port communities to improve operational performance and strengthen connectivity, while also enhancing resilience to disruptions in global supply chains. That focus reflects growing concern over vulnerabilities exposed by recent shocks, including geopolitical tensions and supply chain bottlenecks, which have underscored the need for more robust and flexible logistics systems.
The partnership will also feed into preparations for the UN Global Supply Chain Forum 2026, where policymakers and industry leaders are expected to address the future of trade logistics and resilience.
By combining Singapore’s operational capabilities with UNCTAD’s global development mandate, the initiative aims to accelerate the maritime sector’s transition while ensuring that smaller and developing economies are not left behind.
