Blue carbon – an opportunity for the waterborne transport infrastructure sector

Many ports and harbours operate in and around marine coastal habitats, such as tidal marshes, mangrove forests and seagrasses. Many of these marine coastal habitats are considered blue carbon ecosystems, which play a crucial role in capturing carbon. This article examines how waterborne transport infrastructure impacts blue carbon ecosystems, reviews current mitigation strategies and suggests integrated approaches for sustainable coexistence. We emphasise the importance of collaboration among marine transport authorities, environmental managers, scientists and engineers to protect these essential carbon sinks while supporting the sector's economic contributions.