Introduction

The report explains the importance of the ocean to economic activity, climate regulation and food security. The ocean underpins sectors such as fisheries, transport, tourism and renewable energy while providing ecosystem services including carbon absorption and biodiversity support. Despite its importance, ocean health is deteriorating due to pollution, overexploitation, climate change and habitat loss. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development estimated the blue economy generated USD 1.5 trillion in global value added in 2010 and could reach USD 3 trillion by 2030. However, finance has historically supported unsustainable practices, while SDG 14 (Life Below Water) receives relatively low public funding. The report positions financial institutions as key actors in redirecting capital flows towards sustainable ocean activities and outlines guidance to help lenders, insurers and investors assess risks, opportunities and sustainability performance in ocean-related sectors.

What Is The Sustainable Blue Economy?

The sustainable blue economy refers to economic activities linked to oceans that maintain ecosystem health while delivering economic and social benefits. It seeks to balance growth in sectors such as fisheries, shipping, tourism and marine energy with protection of biodiversity and marine ecosystems. Financial institutions influence these sectors through lending, investment and insurance decisions, making them critical in steering industry behaviour. The report emphasises aligning financial decisions with sustainability standards such as the Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles and global frameworks including the Sustainable Development Goals and responsible finance initiatives.

About This Resource

The report provides practical guidance for banks, investors and insurers to incorporate sustainability into financial decisions related to the ocean economy. It builds on the Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles and complements frameworks such as the Principles for Responsible Banking, Principles for Sustainable Insurance and Principles for Responsible Investment. Developed with input from more than 50 institutions and experts, the guidance identifies best practices, activities that require improvement and those that should be avoided due to environmental or social harm. It focuses on five major sectors with strong financial linkages: seafood, ports, maritime transportation, marine renewable energy and coastal and marine tourism.

Seafood

The seafood sector includes wild capture fisheries and aquaculture as well as associated supply chains. Global seafood production is approximately 179 million tonnes annually with a first-sale value of about USD 401 billion, making it one of the world’s most significant food industries.

The report highlights sustainability challenges such as overfishing, habitat degradation, labour risks and supply chain transparency. Financial institutions are encouraged to assess environmental and social risks when financing seafood operations and prioritise investments in responsible aquaculture, traceable supply chains and improved fisheries management. Case studies show that sustainability-linked finance can support sector transformation. For example, Rabobank structured sustainability-linked loans for seafood companies tied to environmental and social performance indicators such as reduced antibiotic use and improved labour conditions.

Ports

Ports play a central role in global trade and economic development but are also exposed to climate change and environmental pressures due to their coastal location. They function as clusters of maritime activity and innovation and can support sustainable shipping and logistics transitions.

Financiers are advised to evaluate environmental impacts including emissions, pollution and ecosystem disturbance, while supporting infrastructure upgrades, energy efficiency improvements and climate resilience measures. Case studies demonstrate initiatives such as green port programmes and sustainability awards that encourage environmental performance and innovation.

Maritime transportation

Maritime transportation is a core component of global trade and relies heavily on external financing for fleet development and infrastructure. Sustainability risks include greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and ship recycling practices. Financial institutions can influence improvements through sustainability-linked loans, green financing instruments and environmental performance requirements for shipping companies. Examples include sustainability-linked loans that reward improved emissions performance and investments in circular economy shipping initiatives.

Marine renewable energy

Marine renewable energy technologies, including offshore wind, tidal and wave energy, are emerging sectors with strong potential to support energy transition and decarbonisation. Financing is required for project development, infrastructure and innovation. The report highlights opportunities for investors in large-scale renewable energy projects while emphasising the need to manage environmental impacts such as habitat disruption and marine spatial conflicts. Case studies show companies integrating sustainability policies and transparent reporting into renewable energy operations.

Coastal and marine tourism

Coastal and marine tourism is a major economic sector but can create environmental pressures such as habitat degradation, pollution and unsustainable infrastructure development. The report encourages financial institutions to support tourism models that protect ecosystems and benefit local communities. Development finance and blended finance mechanisms can help fund innovative tourism initiatives that prioritise sustainability and resilience.

Concluding remarks

The report presents a practical framework to guide sustainable financing across ocean-linked sectors and aims to support implementation of the Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles. Financial institutions are encouraged to adopt consistent sustainability criteria, collaborate with peers and engage with regulators to develop harmonised standards. Policymakers also play an important role in establishing regulations and governance structures that support sustainable ocean investment. Greater coordination between public and private finance, particularly for least developed countries and small island developing states, is needed to accelerate the transition to a sustainable blue economy.