COP31 coalition targets electricity for 20% of shipping’s energy needs by 2035

A maritime coalition launched at the United Nations climate conference in Antalya, Türkiye, on 10 November has proposed that electricity meet at least 20% of international shipping’s final energy demand by 2035, accelerating investment in electric vessels and shore-power infrastructure.

The Maritime Electrification Breakthrough Goal brings together environmental organisations, ports, technology specialists and cargo interests. The launch session was jointly developed by the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), energy research organisation RMI and the World Resources Institute (WRI).

The initiative supports the broader ambition of the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to increase electricity’s share of global final energy consumption to 35% by 2035. Climate High-Level Champions estimate that the maritime goal would represent approximately two exajoules of additional electricity demand.

What counts towards the maritime electrification target?

The 20% goal covers electricity used directly by vessels engaged in international shipping, including power supplied to ships while berthed.

Domestic shipping, cargo-handling equipment, landside freight and electricity used to manufacture renewable fuels fall outside the target’s calculation. Nevertheless, these activities form part of the wider infrastructure planning needed to expand maritime electrification.

The distinction matters because the initiative measures electricity’s contribution to shipping’s energy consumption, rather than the proportion of vessels fitted with batteries or the number of electrified ports.

The target is voluntary and depends on coordinated action by shipowners, ports, electricity suppliers and governments. It does not establish a new mandatory requirement for vessel operators.

Who is supporting the initiative?

Supporters include the Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA), whose members include Amazon, IKEA and Nike, and the Zero Emission Port Alliance, which includes Rotterdam and terminal operator DP World.

Climate High-Level Champions reported that approximately 2,170 battery-electric and hybrid vessels were operating or under construction as of October 2026. Shore-power deployment is also expanding, with ports including Seattle, Gothenburg and Shanghai enabling vessels to connect to electricity at berth.

EDF’s launch programme identifies commitments to exchange technical knowledge, participate in public-private projects, engage financial institutions and review progress. It also includes support for a just transition as new technologies change shipboard and port operations.

What infrastructure and financing will be needed?

RMI identifies integrated planning across vessels, terminals, freight transport, electricity networks and renewable generation as essential to delivery.

Ports are central to this coordination because vessel charging, shore power and terminal electrification draw on interconnected energy infrastructure. Planning these requirements together can help align maritime investment with electricity supply and grid development.

The coalition identifies high initial expenditure, uncertain demand, electricity-price exposure and lengthy infrastructure development as barriers. It calls for policy incentives, public finance, guarantees and partnerships to reduce investment risks.

Shorter international voyages offer opportunities for battery-electric deployment, while shore power can reduce engine use during port calls. Charging availability and local electricity capacity remain practical constraints.

Which projects demonstrate the technology’s potential?

The Clean Energy Marine Hubs initiative highlighted the AET Innovator retrofit during COP31 as an example of maritime electrification moving towards commercial operation.

Developed by AET and battery technology company Fleetzero, the project equips a lightering support vessel with plug-in hybrid-electric propulsion. Commercial service in the United States is scheduled for December.

AET estimates that the configuration could reduce tank-to-wake greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 82% against a conventional lightering support vessel, equivalent to about 1,220 tonnes annually. These remain project estimates.

The initiative positions electrification alongside low- and zero-carbon fuels, with practical operating experience intended to inform wider deployment across shipping and port infrastructure.