The Asian Development Bank has approved a CNY755.64 million (US$106.05 million) loan to support green port and shipping development in Anhui Province, reports an Asian Development Bank press release.

The Anhui Province Green Port and Shipping Demonstration Project aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve resilience to extreme weather and strengthen logistics connectivity. It is expected to benefit 1.17 million residents, including women, low-income groups and persons with disabilities, through better transport efficiency, lower logistics costs and more jobs.

ADB Country Director Asif Cheema said the project shows the impact of integrating low-carbon transport with smart port development. He added it aligns with China's high-quality, low-carbon growth goals and ADB's partnership strategy for 2021-2025.

Anhui's rapid industrial growth, particularly in electric vehicles, has boosted freight demand. But inland waterways face capacity limits, reliance on diesel vessels and climate hazards such as flooding and storms, raising costs and risks for riverside communities.

The project will build climate-resilient inland ports with energy-efficient loading facilities, smart operation systems and flood protection. Clean-fuel container vessels will replace diesel ships, and pilot green routes will connect logistics hubs. Women are expected to hold at least 15 per cent of skilled port jobs.

Institutional capacity will be strengthened through studies on clean fuels, guidelines for green port management and training on climate resilience and sustainable finance. Knowledge will be shared with other provinces and ADB member countries to promote low-carbon inland waterway transport.