COP31 Maritime Electrification Breakthrough Goal

This decade is critical for decarbonizing the maritime sector. Integrated energy planning, accelerated action and ambitious policy implementation are vital to keep international shipping on track for net-zero by or around 2050. Whilst the maritime sector is not yet a major consumer of electricity, there are many cost-effective opportunities to increase its use. Delivering maritime electrification will require coordinated action across vessels, ports and terminals, landside freight, utilities and grids, renewable generation and, increasingly, renewable fuel production. Ports sit at the intersection of these systems and will be critical energy and implementation nodes for the transition. 

COP31 presents an electrification goal: raising the share of global final energy demand met by electricity to 35% by 2035 (up from just over 20%), cutting fossil fuel dependence, and driving sector transitions. 

RMI’s Pablo Muñoz will moderate this session, co-developed by RMI, WRI and EDF, that highlights the opportunity for electrification within the maritime sector with an announcement of the maritime electrification goal in support of the COP31 Presidency’s 35 by 35 ambition.