About the project

Sustainable and affordable shipping is critical to Pacific Island countries which are dependent on shipping for as much as 80% to 90% of all goods needed to sustain their population and economies. Pacific Nations have the most expensive shipping in the world, the longest transport routes, and often the oldest and least energy efficient ships. Collective action with innovative financing is essential to decarbonise this transportation sector and develop a sustainable and affordable shipping industry to support these communities. 

In consultation with multi-lateral and bilateral development partners, and with the support of UNSW, the PBSP is developing a blended finance package exceeding US$500 million to enable a 10-year initial work programme (2020–2030) focused on three key priorities: 

  1. Large-scale infrastructure transformation, inclusive of both short-term ferry upgrades and high-ambition projects to increase port/jetty access for underserved populations around the region; 
  2. Small-to-medium scale enterprise development to ensure the private sector is provided with appropriate finance to meet regional maritime transport needs; and, 
  3. Capacity building, analysis, and Research & Development efforts to deliver long-term success of the Partnership for the region. 

UNSW is providing technical guidance to the countries leading this partnership, with the support of the World Bank Blue Economy program and National Determined Contribution (NDC) trust fund.

UNSW Staff

Project Lead

Ben is a Scientia Fellow based at the Environmental Law Cluster, Centre for Applied Economic Research, and Centre for Ecosystem Science. His interdisciplinary research, teaching and advisory work focus on:

  • Use of environmental information in public policymaking — in particular public sector accounting for environmental assets and ecosystem services using standardised statistical frameworks and approaches, and cross-sectoral development planning informed by natural capital and green growth approaches and perspectives.
  • Design of legal, institutional and policy frameworks for sustainable development — including a focus on integrated governance of transnational economic sectors (marine, mining, energy), and national implementation of multilateral commitments concerning the environment.
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TBC

Michael has community development experience in West Africa, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and the Pacific. He has also taught international development studies in both the classroom at UNSW and in India with Engineers Without Borders. Michael joined the Institute for Global Development to ensure important ideas and research are realised. He holds a Master of International Development and a Graduate Certificate in Disaster Risk Reduction.

Project Partners

Special Representative for Oceans, Gover

Taholo Kami is a Tongan born, resident of Fiji and was raised in Papua New Guinea. He is currently the Special Representative for Oceans for Fiji and works on indigenous issues in the Pacific Islands region. He has a strong background in conservation and sustainable development issues and has also worked and consulted Pacific Island countries on ICT and social media issues in the past.

 

Small Island States Officer, Pacific Isl

Winder currently works at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and held a former appointment at the Marshall Islands Conservation Society. He is a junior researcher for the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership.

 

Contact

For more information about the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership, contact Ben Milligan (b.milligan@unsw.edu.au).