Montreal, Quebec – April 16, 2025 – Clear Seas, in collaboration with C40 Cities, is proud to launch Increasing Capital Investments in Ports – A Practical Toolkit, a new report designed to help policymakers, port authorities, and investors close the critical funding gap facing port infrastructure projects.
Following supply chain shocks such as extreme weather, pandemics, and tariffs, Canadian ports are expected to play an increased role in trade diversification, facilitating access to new markets and supporting a strong Canadian economy.
On top of this challenge, ports are also evolving into key players in the global energy transition, supporting renewable energy and circular economy initiatives, as well as industrial development to support the flow of goods in and out of Canada. They often face major barriers to financing due to high upfront costs and uncertain returns, as well as restrictive regulatory systems. This report offers tangible, proven strategies to overcome those barriers and accelerate progress.
“This report is a practical guide to help stakeholders move from ambition to action,” said Paul Blomerus, Executive Director of Clear Seas. “By bridging the financing gap, we can ensure ports fulfill their critical role in building a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future.”
Financing models that work: from theory to implementation
The report highlights how incorporating both private and public funding mechanisms, such as grants and concessional loans, along with innovative tools like Contracts for Difference, can unlock investments that are not commercially viable on their own but offer strong environmental and economic benefits. It also explores governance models that enable ports to better leverage private capital and international expertise, based on real-world case studies from Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond. For Canada, these case studies offer insights into a range of options that can support investment in relevant, resilient and sustainable infrastructure.
“Ports are not just gateways for trade; they are pivotal in driving the global energy transition. By adopting innovative financing models, implementing sustainable infrastructure and partnering with their ecosystem – including city governments – port authorities can lead the way in decarbonizing maritime transport while creating long-term economic and environmental value,” added Thomas Baujet-Vandeburie, Technical Lead, Ports & Shipping Finance from C40 Cities.
The report arrives at a crucial moment, as governments and industry leaders seek actionable strategies to create flexible, resilient supply chains that are responsive to changing trade priorities and also support climate commitments. Increasing Capital Investment in Ports – A Practical Toolkit provides clear direction on how to mobilize the capital needed to future-proof port infrastructure and accelerate climate action.
The full report is now available (in both English and French) on Clear Seas’ website.
To dive deeper into the findings, Clear Seas and C40 Cities, along with the Association of Canadian Port Authorities, will host a live webinar on April 24, 2025 to discuss the changing supply chain landscape, the evolving role of Canada’s Port Authorities, and the report’s key insights and how they can be applied across global contexts. Register to attend the webinar.
About Clear Seas
Clear Seas is a Canadian not-for-profit organization that provides independent fact-based information to enable industry, governments, and the public to make informed decisions on marine shipping issues. We work to build awareness and trust so that all people can feel a part of the marine sector. Our vision is a sustainable marine shipping sector that is safe, vibrant, and inclusive, both now and for future generations. All publications are available at clearseas.org.
About C40 Cities
C40 Cities is a network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities working to deliver the urgent action needed right now to confront the climate crisis and create a future where everyone, everywhere, can thrive. Mayors of C40 cities are committed to using a science-based and people-focused approach to limit global heating in line with the Paris Agreement and build healthy, equitable and resilient communities. We work alongside a broad coalition of representatives from labour, business, the youth climate movement and civil society to support mayors to halve emissions by 2030 and help phase out fossil use while increasing urban climate resilience and equity.
The current co-chairs of C40 are Mayor Sadiq Khan of London, United Kingdom, and Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr of Freetown, Sierra Leone; three-term Mayor of New York City Michael R. Bloomberg serves as President of the Board. C40’s work is made possible by our three strategic funders: Bloomberg Philanthropies, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation and Realdania.
To learn more about the work of C40 and our cities, please visit our website, or follow us on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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Media Contacts:
Lysa-Marie Rochon
lmrochon@exponentiel.ca
(514) 910-3664
Jonathan Terrefe
jterrefe@c40.org