A new database has put the scale of maritime investment across the Pacific at an estimated US$3.7 billion over the past decade, with more than 95 percent of funding directed to infrastructure, capacity development and new vessels.
The Micronesian Centre for Sustainable Transport (MCST) launched the Pacific Maritime Database Project to provide a central source of information on maritime investment across the region.
Developed with support from research partners at the University College London’s Energy Institute, the database tracks funding for maritime projects from multiple donors and external agencies.
Using publicly available data covering 2016 to 2026, the project identifies an estimated US$3.7 billion invested across 115 maritime projects.
Australia was the largest donor, largely due to its US$1.5 billion Guardian Class Patrol Vessel project.
The Asian Development Bank, World Bank and Government of Japan were also among the major sources of maritime investment identified in the database.
The database includes tables and visual charts showing investment patterns, funding sources and other trends across the region.
MCST said the database is intended to help Pacific policymakers, planners, researchers and development partners better understand the scale and cost of maritime investment.
It is also designed to support Pacific island countries and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as they plan how to decarbonise their transport systems.
The project forms part of MCST’s wider role as a knowledge hub for sustainable transport in the Pacific, particularly for SIDS.
MCST said the database is a working project and will be updated and expanded as more information becomes available.
The Centre is working with regional donors and stakeholders to validate the data and is inviting corrections and additional information.
Established in 2015, MCST has focused on sustainable transport research in the Pacific, particularly in the maritime sector.
Over the past decade, the Centre has supported Pacific governments and institutions through policy development, technical research, capacity building and advocacy.
Its work has covered maritime safety, energy efficiency, climate resilience and greenhouse gas reductions in shipping.
MCST said its research has helped improve understanding of maritime transport challenges and potential solutions while bringing Pacific priorities to regional and international discussions.
The Pacific Maritime Database Project adds to the Centre’s work to provide information that can support future investment and sustainable transport decisions across the region.
