The GCMD and IAPH Alliance: A Partnership for the Decarbonization of Global Ports
In a world where sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial, the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) and the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) have announced a two-year collaboration to drive decarbonization in the global maritime sector. This agreement was unveiled during the IAPH 2025 World Ports Conference in Kobe, Japan. The alliance harnesses GCMD’s expertise in closing operational, safety, and technical gaps across the maritime transport value chain, combined with IAPH’s global network of ports, spanning over 200 port authorities and operators in 85 countries. The aim is to strengthen the industry’s readiness for the transition to more sustainable fuels.
The significance of this collaboration lies in its ability to address the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the advancement of alternative fuels, the development of essential port infrastructures, and the evolving regulatory frameworks. Ports play a crucial role in accelerating maritime decarbonization due to their ability to assess navigation risks, engage with local regulators, and ensure safe pilots and trials that eventually enable the widespread adoption of low-carbon fuels.
GCMD will complement these actions by conducting pilots throughout the value chain, co-developing risk mitigation strategies for the deployment of new fuels, and establishing critical operational procedures. The goal is to tailor the findings to the specific conditions of each port and share the results to close knowledge gaps globally.
The collaboration with IAPH will enable the refinement and co-development of tools to assist ports, shipowners, and operators in adopting new fuels safely and efficiently, ensuring the transportation of low and zero-carbon fuels as cargo.
The Role of Ports in Fuel Transition
- Pilots execution to evaluate risks
- Development of strategies for mitigation risks
- Establishment of critical operational procedures
Ports are uniquely positioned to accelerate maritime decarbonization. Their involvement in real pilot projects, like the CAPTURED initiative in China, has demonstrated the critical role they play in the success of GCMD’s pilots. From the first ammonia ship-to-ship transfer in Pilbara to the supply of biofuels in Singapore and the port of Rotterdam, ports have proven to be instrumental in transforming pilot learnings into scalable operations critical for the energy transition.
Building on Existing Collaboration
This alliance builds on a previously established relationship, as GCMD is a supporting partner in the Clean Energy Marine Hubs (CEM-HUBS) initiative, of which IAPH is a founding member. This public-private platform, led by a CEO and energy minister working group, aims to position the maritime sector as a key enabler in the production, transportation, and adoption of low-carbon fuels. Through this coalition, both organizations will continue to advance their shared goal of driving energy transition in maritime transport.
Lessons from GCMD Pilots at the IAPH 2025 World Ports Conference
At the IAPH 2025 World Ports Conference, Professor Lynn Loo, CEO of GCMD, emphasized the value of real pilot experiences for the organization. Projects like CAPTURED, conducted in collaboration with several ports in China, have allowed for the safe discharge of captured and liquefied CO2. The collaboration with IAPH will expand GCMD’s reach and global influence, facilitating joint work with port members to develop tools that accelerate decarbonization in the maritime sector.
About the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH)
Established in 1955, the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) is a global alliance of port authorities and related companies spanning 94 nationalities. Its members manage over a third of global maritime trade and nearly 60% of global container traffic. IAPH leads global initiatives in decarbonization, risk management, resilience, and digitalization of maritime transport.
The IAPH Global Ports Sustainability Program is a reference database of best port practices to apply the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This underscores IAPH’s commitment to advancing towards a more sustainable and efficient future in the maritime sector.
About the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonization (GCMD)
Established on August 1, 2021, the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonization (GCMD) is a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the maritime sector’s transition to a low-carbon future. Based in Singapore, the world’s largest fuel supply center and busiest transshipment port, GCMD plays a key role in developing and deploying scalable decarbonization solutions.
Founded by industry leaders such as BHP, BW Group, and Eastern Pacific Shipping, among others, GCMD is supported by over 130 partners contributing funding, expertise, and in-kind support. To date, GCMD has launched initiatives addressing the deployment of ammonia fuels, certification of green fuels, and onboard carbon capture.
GCMD’s work aims to establish standards, mitigate risks in innovation, and foster collaboration to pave the way towards a commercially viable and environmentally sustainable maritime industry.
Relevance for the Maritime Sector
- Innovative Technology and Employment Opportunities: The collaboration between GCMD and IAPH not only promotes innovation in the sector but also opens up new job opportunities in port management, infrastructure development, and clean technologies. Maritime professionals are encouraged to get involved in these projects by submitting their resumes to the companies involved.
- Environmental Benefits and Competitiveness: The transition to
