World Bank: The Future of Biofuels in Asia-Pacific Shipping The World Bank has outlined how East Asia and the Pacific can strengthen energy security, modernise maritime infrastructure and accelerate the adoption of low-carbon marine fuels as shipping charts a course towards net zero. Supporting between 16 and 18 million people through global, regional and domestic supply chains, the region's maritime sector underpins international commerce while transporting everything from manufactured goods to critical energy commodities. As demand for shipping continues to rise, the industry is facing mounting challenges including congested ports, ageing fleets, safety concerns and the need to replace fossil fuels with cleaner energy alternatives. According to the World Bank's latest report, Ports, Ships and Fuels: Maritime Efficiency, Safety and Sustainability in East Asia and Pacific, improving operational performance while investing in clean energy infrastructure will be central to building resilient supply chains and achieving long-term decarbonisation. Improving efficiency to reduce fuel demand The report identifies operational efficiency as one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce fuel consumption and emissions across the maritime sector. Shipping already represents the most energy-efficient form of freight transport, producing between 11 and 17 grams of CO₂ per ton-nautical mile. By comparison, heavy road freight emits around 70 grams while aviation generates as much as 515 grams. Efficiency gains over recent years have demonstrated the sector's potential. Between 2008 and 2024, global shipping volumes increased by almost 50%, yet energy consumption rose by just 5%, avoiding the use of around 1.8 million barrels of oil every day and delivering annual fuel savings of approximately US$60bn. The World Bank notes that highly efficient ports including Shanghai and Singapore benefit from rapid vessel turnaround times that strengthen manufacturing and trade, while smaller ports across island nations continue to struggle with slower cargo handling and