Part of a new industry series Shipping the Future™: Climate Business Intelligence™ For The Maritime Industry
Vulnerability of Key Assets
Critical maritime assets are increasingly exposed to climate-related hazards. Ports and terminals located in low-lying coastal areas face chronic flooding and storm surge. Shipyards must contend with sea-level rise and saltwater intrusion, accelerating wear and corrosion of equipment. Shipping lanes are also vulnerable: shifting storm tracks, stronger hurricanes, and changes in sea ice patterns complicate navigation and increase risks of accidents. These threats undermine the safety, reliability, and efficiency of maritime operations, creating new burdens for operators and insurers alike.
Insurance Pressures and Financing Constraints
The insurance market is already reacting to these growing risks. Coverage for high-exposure ports and shipping routes is becoming more expensive, with some underwriters limiting policies or excluding climate-related perils altogether. As premiums rise, operators face mounting operational costs and balance-sheet strain. Financial institutions are also embedding climate risk into lending decisions, with credit access increasingly tied to resilience planning and disclosure. Companies unable to demonstrate robust climate strategies may face restricted financing, higher borrowing costs, or divestment by institutional investors.
Regulatory and Investor Expectations
Governments, regulators, and investors are converging on the need for greater accountability in climate resilience. Disclosure frameworks such as the ISSB and CSRD, as well as emerging national regulations, are compelling maritime companies to assess and report their exposure to physical and transition risks. Investors, meanwhile, are pressing for transparency on how companies plan to safeguard operations and preserve long-term value in a decarbonizing economy. For the maritime industry, climate resilience is no longer a peripheral issue—it is central to maintaining market access, regulatory compliance, and investor confidence.
The maritime sector thus faces a dual challenge: it must continue to deliver the trade flows upon which the world relies, while simultaneously adapting its infrastructure, financing, and governance to withstand intensifying climate risks. The stakes are high, and the path forward demands innovation, foresight, and unprecedented levels of collaboration.
Ready to get started? To learn how ClimaTwin can help you assess the physical and financial impacts of future weather and climate extremes on your infrastructure assets, capital programs, and investment portfolio, please visit www.climatwin.com today.
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