23 September 2021−The new report Financing of Sustainable Marine and Freshwater Infrastructure: A joint study to explore financing of green coastal, river and port projects, is presented at the Sustainable Development Impact Summit organised by the World Economic Forum.
How private capital can accelerate the green transition in marine and freshwater infrastructure
Together with representatives from B Capital Partners and Swiss Re, the International Association of Dredging Companies (IADC), the Central Dredging Association (CEDA), and Vital Ports explored what is needed in order to improve the connection between green-labelled funds and sustainable waterborne infrastructure projects. Against the backdrop of climate change, energy transition and loss of biodiversity, together with the fact that there are limited public budgets, means there is a bigger role available for private capital to play in bridging the infrastructure funding gap. The report is based on the findings of the mutual working group, which discusses nine case studies. The main conclusion is that sustainable waterborne infrastructure solutions are available, have been tested and are economically viable. Private capital could help to accelerate the uptake of such solutions. The report is an important first step towards realising this.
“Marine and Freshwater Infrastructure is the collection of waterborne works at coastlines, estuaries, rivers, canals and in port areas. In general, such works provide flood protection or enable port development, urban development and navigability of waterways. In other cases these works serve to protect or restore nature and recreational areas”, says Arjan Hijdra, Managing Director of Vital Ports and one of authors to the report. “Both the Sustainable Marine and Freshwater Infrastructure sector and the Financial sector seek to scale up their green portfolio and it is quite obvious that synergy can be found in cooperation. However, both sectors are mutually unfamiliar with each other’s environment which hinders to capture this synergy right away. We believe that this dedicated report could help further engagement between these two sectors.”
About the Report
The contributing organisations explored what is needed in order to improve the connection between green-labelled funds and sustainable waterborne infrastructure projects. Another conclusion is the need to clarify sustainable concepts and associated financial structures in order to introduce the topic to both the financial sector and the dredging community. But also to develop ideas on how to bring this to mainstream infrastructure investment asset classes. The report provides content for further dialogue to foster the uptake of green marine and freshwater concepts by private investors.