Green shipping corridors, designed to promote zero-emission fuels, vessels, and technologies, are rapidly expanding across emerging economies, marking a significant step toward decarbonizing global maritime trade. According to the latest report from the Global Maritime Forum, titled “At a Crossroads: Annual Progress Report on Green Shipping Corridors 2025,” the number of active green corridor initiatives worldwide has increased to 84, with 25 new initiatives launched in 2025 alone. Notably, for the first time, major developing economies such as China, India, Brazil, Chile, Ghana, and Kenya have joined the global push, demonstrating both the environmental and strategic economic potential of clean maritime infrastructure.

The report underscores the growing importance of green shipping corridors in accelerating the adoption of zero-emission marine fuels and technologies, while highlighting their economic and geopolitical significance. In India, for instance, four new green corridors were established this year, including domestic routes such as the Kandla-Tuticorin Coastal Green Corridor, as well as international collaborations such as India-Denmark and India-Singapore Green Corridors. Similarly, China added four new corridors, Brazil launched two, Chile initiated two, and Ghana and Kenya each announced their first green corridor projects. These developments align with each country’s broader maritime, energy, and environmental ambitions, from India’s Shipping Ministry 2025 goals to Brazil’s National Hydrogen Program, Chile’s National Green Hydrogen Strategy, and ongoing commitments in African nations to advance sustainable shipping.

The strategic value of green shipping corridors extends beyond environmental objectives. Jesse Fahnestock, director of decarbonisation at the Global Maritime Forum, noted, “The move of major countries like China, India, and Brazil into green corridors is hugely promising, as these are markets that will determine whether zero-emission shipping scales fast enough to meet global climate goals. But even more importantly, we’re seeing recognition from these countries that green corridors are more than just environmental projects – they are strategic economic infrastructure. Countries that move early stand to gain competitive industrial and geopolitical advantages across energy, trade, and technology.” This perspective reflects the emerging view that green maritime infrastructure can serve as both a climate solution and a driver of economic competitiveness.

Fuel choices for these corridors continue to be diverse and regionally tailored. Methanol and ammonia remain popular options due to their relatively mature technology readiness and potential for near-zero emissions. Additionally, battery electric propulsion has garnered attention, particularly in short-sea corridors focused on roll-on/roll-off passenger ferries within Europe. Advanced biofuels, including second-generation biodiesels and biocrudes, are being tested in select corridors, reflecting a gradual diversification of low-carbon fuel options. The report also notes the emergence of nuclear-powered shipping initiatives, highlighted by the first nuclear corridor announced between the United States and the United Kingdom, signaling innovation in high-capacity, long-distance maritime transport solutions.

Despite the growing momentum, the report warns that many initiatives remain stalled by what it terms a “feasibility wall.” This wall represents the significant cost gap between conventional marine fuels, which remain dominant, and emerging zero-emission alternatives. The high upfront investment required for vessels, bunkering infrastructure, and fuel production has slowed implementation, particularly in markets that are less mature in their industrial and financial capacity. The delay in formal adoption of the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Net-Zero Framework—pushed back for at least a year due to lobbying from the US administration—has further complicated market signals. The framework is intended to provide regulatory clarity, incentives, and standardisation to facilitate the transition to zero-emission shipping on a global scale.

However, experts see the current period as an opportunity rather than a setback. Fahnestock emphasized, “We have at least 12 months before the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework is adopted. That time can either be spent waiting, or used to build projects that create strategic economic advantages, generate learnings that can influence the IMO’s reward mechanism, and put participants first in line for future global rewards. Those who act now will be best positioned to benefit when regulation catches up.” Essentially, countries and companies that advance their green corridors now can gain not only early operational experience but also preferential positioning in future international regulatory and economic mechanisms.

Emerging economies have recognized that green shipping corridors are not merely environmental initiatives but key components of strategic industrial infrastructure. India’s Ministry of Shipping has integrated green corridor development into its 2025 maritime objectives, focusing on fostering domestic and international connectivity while reducing emissions. China, meanwhile, is rapidly modernizing port infrastructure and investing in low-carbon fuels as part of a broader effort to dominate the global maritime supply chain in a sustainable manner. Brazil’s corridors leverage its National Hydrogen Program to integrate ammonia-based shipping fuels, while Chile’s National Green Hydrogen Strategy positions the country as a hub for hydrogen production and export. African nations like Ghana and Kenya are seeking early entry into green corridors to capture economic and technological benefits while aligning with international climate commitments.

The report also highlights the growing role of public-private partnerships and cross-border collaboration in advancing these corridors. International shipping companies, fuel producers, port authorities, and technology providers are increasingly pooling resources to address technical, financial, and operational challenges. Collaborative frameworks help ensure that infrastructure, fuel availability, and vessel technology are aligned to meet zero-emission targets effectively. These partnerships also serve as valuable testbeds for innovations in fuel types, energy storage, emission monitoring, and vessel design, creating lessons that can inform broader global deployment.

The development of green shipping corridors also represents a potential catalyst for industrial transformation. Ports and adjacent industrial zones that adopt zero-emission fuels and facilities may attract investment, stimulate local employment, and spur technological innovation in associated sectors such as hydrogen production, battery manufacturing, and synthetic fuel development. Early movers are likely to gain competitive advantages in trade and energy markets, reinforcing the strategic importance of these corridors beyond purely environmental considerations.

At the same time, the report cautions that without careful planning and investment, the transition could face setbacks. Ensuring that corridors achieve true zero-emission performance requires rigorous monitoring, standardized reporting, and adherence to environmental safeguards. Countries must avoid relying solely on the novelty of green fuels without considering lifecycle emissions, supply chain sustainability, and the operational challenges of integrating new technologies. Failure to address these aspects could undermine the credibility and effectiveness of green corridor initiatives.

In conclusion, the 2025 report by the Global Maritime Forum illustrates a notable expansion of green shipping corridors across emerging economies. With 25 new initiatives launched, bringing the global total to 84, countries such as India, China, Brazil, Chile, Ghana, and Kenya are actively exploring the economic, strategic, and environmental opportunities offered by zero-emission maritime trade routes. While challenges remain, particularly in terms of cost and regulatory clarity, early investments in green corridors offer significant potential advantages in technology, trade, and industrial competitiveness. The report emphasizes that the coming year provides a critical window for stakeholders to consolidate efforts, build practical experience, and position themselves for the eventual adoption of global standards through the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework. As these corridors take shape, they are poised to play a central role in shaping the future of sustainable maritime transport, offering both climate benefits and economic opportunities on a global scale.

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