As stated by the ADB, the proposed technical assistance (TA) will provide flexible and targeted resources to support upstream project design and readiness activities, including capacity building and knowledge creation and dissemination. It will focus on developing a pipeline of high-impact projects in Southeast Asian countries, which are expected to be climate responsive.

The TA is aligned with the following strategic focus areas of ADB's Strategy 2030 Midterm Review: climate action, resilience and empowerment, and private sector development, as well as the recognition the need to improve project design to achieve better success rates.

The TA activities were selected in consultation with ADB sector offices and Southeast Asia Department (SERD) resident missions and will identify and develop a pipeline of projects. Activities will include:

(i) knowledge products for green and resilient ports to help address barriers to downstream investments;
(ii) project origination and capacity building to promote and design climate financing facilities and financial intermediation loans; and
(iii) midstream support for projects that demonstrate a shift towards low-emission, climate-resilient infrastructure.

Green and resilient ports are essential for meeting global climate targets and supporting the long-term sustainability of maritime trade. As of 2023, ports handle about 80% of global trade and account for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), with Southeast Asia's 1,600 ports accounting for 14% of the global GHGs. Emissions arrive from energy intensive activities such as cargo handling, storage, and vessel operations. Additionally, ports face increasing risks from rising sea levels and extreme weather events necessitating costly adaptations, and resilience measures. Despite their importance, progress in decarbonizing ports has been slow due to limited policy incentives, fragmented regional coordination, underdeveloped green financing mechanisms. Greening Southeast Asia's ports, which are interconnected through regional shipping routes and supply chains, will reduce transboundary air and marine pollution, mitigating the climate impacts of ports through sustainable practices and green technologies is crucial for reducing the environmental footprint of ports and enhancing their long-term viability.

The TA will support the adoption of tailored solutions for ports, such as:

(i) transitioning to low- and zero-emissions equipment;
(ii) integrating renewable energy;
(iii) introducing green and resilient port monitoring and management systems and processes; and
(iv) reconstructing wharves, breakwaters, storm barriers, and runoff and/or drainage systems.

These measures have the potential to cut emissions, reduce pollution and environmental harm, and increase the adaptability of ports to disruptive events.

Expanding financial markets and promoting green finance are essential for mobilizing the capital needed to support sustainable development in Southeast Asia. Strengthening regulatory frameworks and enhancing the capacity of banks and nonbank financial intermediaries can increase the adoption of innovative financial instruments. With bank loans accounting for 90% of infrastructure debt financing in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region (excluding Malaysia), banks are a critical entry point for greening the region's financial system.

The TA will support two finance sector interventions:

(i) increasing the capacity of selected sovereign and nonsovereign banks to identify green investments, and
(ii) helping these banks adopt or create green lending products for their local markets. These actions are essential for developing innovative solutions, addressing technical and financial gaps, and channeling funds to projects that meet the region's development needs.

ADB Team Leader:

Esther S. Griffies Weld
Email: egreffiesweld@adb.org 

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