DP World, a global leader in supply chain solutions, has made history by issuing the first-ever corporate Blue Bond in the Middle East, Central, and Eastern Europe regions. The $100 million Blue Bond, offering a 5.25% interest rate over five years, will fund projects focused on the marine and water sectors, reinforcing the company’s commitment to advancing a sustainable blue economy.

Advancing Sustainable Marine Projects

The funds raised will support initiatives aimed at reducing marine pollution, upgrading port infrastructure, ensuring clean water access, and protecting marine ecosystems. These efforts align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). This move also strengthens DP World’s Ocean Strategy, which integrates global trade with environmental stewardship.

Building on a Track Record of Sustainability

This marks DP World’s second venture into sustainable financing, following the successful issuance of a green bond in 2023. The green bond facilitated renewable energy projects and carbon emission reductions, setting the stage for further environmental initiatives.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, stated:

“As a responsible leader in global trade, we are committed to preserving the ocean’s ability to provide for future generations. It is our ambition to lead our industry towards a sustainable blue economy as we work with our partners to remove barriers to comprehensive climate and ocean action. This Blue Bond will lay the foundation for the years to come.”

“We are increasingly working in regions where the ocean is being polluted, coastal biodiversity is being lost, and critical resources like water are becoming scarcer, posing significant threats to both nature and people. This issuance represents DP World’s second foray into the sustainable financing capital markets highlighting our commitment to sustainability and demonstrates our approach towards sustainable business practices.”

Global Partnerships for Impact

DP World’s Blue Bond has also drawn international recognition, with Rob Sharps, Chairman and CEO of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., remarking:

“We are proud to partner with DP World on its issuance of the first corporate Blue Bond in the Middle East. This innovative transaction will mobilize capital towards UN SDG 14, Life Below Water, while providing an opportunity for attractive investment returns. We recognize UN SDG 14 as the most underfunded of all the sustainable development goals. We hope this transaction can be a model for other issuers and investors to support the blue economy.”

Paving the Way for the Blue Economy

DP World’s Blue Bond initiative not only underscores its leadership in sustainable business practices but also sets a precedent for other companies to support the underfunded blue economy. The initiative showcases how corporations can play a pivotal role in addressing marine and water sector challenges while driving economic and environmental benefits.