Financing Maritime Innovation and Infrastructure for Climate and Ocean
Financing Maritime Innovation and Infrastructure for Climate and Ocean
A successful co-construction day highlighting Kribi’s leadership in sustainable port development
The Financing Maritime Innovation and Infrastructure for Climate and Ocean co-construction day, held in Monaco on 6 June 2025, was a resounding success. The event validated the strategic vision of the Port Authority of Kribi (PAK) and showcased how ports can drive innovation for a sustainable blue economy.
Kribi, a rising hub for the blue economy
According to Munongo Aboko Peter, Head of the Land Development and Environment Department at PAK:
“This day was a real success. It helped validate the strategic vision of the General Manager, Mr Patrice Melom, and opened new pathways to build strategic partnerships for sustainable growth, combining renewable energy production, aquaculture, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience.”
Kribi’s role as a regional hub in Central Africa is increasingly recognized, with a strong ambition to boosting inclusive development for both partners and local communities.
An international initiative for sustainable financing
Organized by BLUMORPHO in collaboration with the International Association of Port Cities (AIVP) and with the support of Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the initiative seeks to design concrete financial mechanisms to achieve net-zero carbon emissions and enable the eco-transition of maritime and port ecosystems.
Opening the event, Bruno Delsalle, General Manager of AIVP, emphasized:
“Port cities bear a large share of the responsibility for climate change. But they are also home to solutions—from decarbonisation to biodiversity, mobility, and public acceptance of industrial projects.”
Finance as a catalyst for change
Several speakers highlighted the key role of finance in driving the maritime transition:
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Republic Bank stressed the importance of ensuring projects are bankable to accelerate port decarbonisation across the Caribbean.
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Jean-Frédéric Laurent, CEO of Port of Bordeaux, underlined the value of blue bonds and digital twins for certification and monitoring post-fossil roadmaps.
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The Catalytic Finance Foundation presented a new fund dedicated to port decarbonisation.
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Alberto Cappato (Porto Antico di Genova) called for systemic and ecosystem-based approaches that use public funds to attract private investment.
Positive momentum for future collaboration
The discussions confirmed strong investor interest and the growing momentum of the initiative. As Géraldine Andrieux, CEO of BLUMORPHO, noted:
“The question is not how much money is needed, but how to build collaborative financing models that ensure profitability and attract investment.”
Looking ahead: AIVP World Conference 2025
The next major milestone will be the AIVP World Conference of Port Cities, to be held in New York, from 18 to 21 Novembe 2025.This international event will showcase flagship projects, financing mechanisms, and investment-ready ecosystems already demonstrating impact.
As Marine Hamelin, Head of Blue Economy at BLUMORPHO, concluded:
“By aligning innovation, finance, and strategic priorities, we are enabling real, business models for maritime decarbonisation and sustainability.”
