The Port of Melbourne has partnered with the world’s largest container port, the Port of Shanghai, to establish a Green Shipping Corridor between the two ports.

The agreement was signed on 19 October 2025 at the North Bund Forum in Shanghai, China.

Supported by the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40), this initiative unites Port of Melbourne and Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission (SMTC) in response to the Clydebank Declaration and the broader goal of decarbonising the maritime supply chain.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), both parties will collaborate with industry partners—including Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG), COSCO SHIPPING Lines, HAMR Energy, and ABEL Energy—to develop measures that reduce shipping’s environmental impact.

They will focus on sustainable practices such as adopting cleaner technologies, using renewable energy sources, and applying best practices to minimise the ecological footprint of shipping activities.

The MoU also aims to encourage shipping lines to increase the use of clean-energy-powered vessels operating between Shanghai and Melbourne.

Additionally, it seeks to work with energy suppliers to accelerate advancements in production technology, improve efficiency and cost control, and build an integrated supply chain system covering production, transportation, and storage to enhance low-carbon fuel supply capacity.

Saul Cannon, CEO of Port of Melbourne, said, “This MoU marks a significant step in our efforts to decarbonise the supply chain. As an island nation reliant on sea freight, Australia plays a vital role in global shipping decarbonisation.

“As Australia’s largest container port working with the world’s largest, we are well-positioned to lead by example towards a greener future. We look forward to advancing this initiative with our industry partners.”

In August, the Port of Melbourne remained Southeast Australia’s leading trade gateway, having handled a record $154 billion in trade during Financial Year 2025 (FY25).