Promoting sustainable maritime connectivity is one of the key areas of work for ESCAP. As more than 80 per cent of global trade volume is shipped by sea, countries’ participation in international supply chains depends on their maritime connectivity, that is, the availability of reliable and efficient shipping services. ESCAP uses regional and multi-stakeholder cooperation, data analysis and normative and technical assistance tools to:
- Strengthen port-hinterland transport connections, i.e. how the cargo handled in the port can reach its hinterland destination, and strategically locating intermodal and logistics facilities to capitalize on the competitive strength of each mode in interregional transport, with special emphasis on strengthening capacities of countries in special situations.
- Enhance efficient multimodal operations.
- Support a shift to sustainable and resilient port development.
- Contribute to sustainable shipping and port operations practices, including reducing emissions and pollutants from shipping and port operations and developing green port infrastructure.
- Address the particular connectivity challenges faced by Small Island Developing States.
This thematic area also supports inter-regional land and multimodal transport connectivity through multi-stakeholder forums between Europe and Asia, bringing together governments, relevant organizations and institutions and the private sector and facilitating exchange of information and good practices across the two regions.
