The Asian Development Bank has approved a CNY755.64 million ($106.05 million) loan to advance green, smart, and climate-resilient inland river ports and clean-energy shipping in Anhui Province, PRC. The initiative aims to modernize the port and shipping sector, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve logistics connectivity to support sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
The Anhui Province Green Port and Shipping Demonstration Project will help shift the region toward a more low-carbon and digitally enhanced transport model. It is expected to benefit about 1.17 million residents—including women, low-income communities, and persons with disabilities—by improving transport efficiency, lowering logistics costs, and generating new job opportunities. ADB emphasizes that the project aligns with both national priorities for high-quality, low-carbon development and the bank’s partnership strategy for the PRC.
Anhui’s industrial expansion and fast-growing electric vehicle sector have increased freight movement, putting pressure on inland waterways and ports. Capacity limitations, dependence on diesel vessels, and mounting climate risks such as flooding and severe storms pose threats to service continuity, elevate emissions, and increase economic and social vulnerabilities for riverside communities.
To address these challenges, the project will build climate-resilient and energy-efficient river ports equipped with smart operational systems, upgraded loading infrastructure, and strengthened flood protection. It will introduce clean-fuel container vessels to replace diesel ships and establish green shipping routes linking major logistics hubs. The initiative will also improve emergency response systems and promote gender-inclusive employment, with women expected to occupy at least 15% of skilled roles.
The project includes broader institutional strengthening through studies on clean and alternative fuels, the development of green and smart port management guidelines, and targeted training on climate resilience and sustainable financing. Knowledge generated will be shared across other provinces and ADB member countries to encourage wider adoption of low-carbon inland waterway transport and green port development.
ADB continues to support inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific through strategic partnerships, innovative financial tools, and investments that promote high-quality infrastructure and environmental sustainability.
