Caribbean Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy Pushed | Mariner News

Caribbean nations are strongly advocating for a coordinated maritime decarbonisation strategy to tackle emissions from the shipping sector. Following a recent IMO roundtable in Port of Spain, policymakers and financiers have underscored the critical need for a unified regional approach to accelerate sustainable shipping initiatives across the Caribbean. This collaborative effort, supported by the IMO’s GreenVoyage2050 programme, aims to move beyond isolated projects, fostering a shared vision for greener maritime operations and environmental stewardship in the region.

Driving Regional Coordination for Sustainable Shipping

Participants at the meeting highlighted that effective Caribbean shipping decarbonisation hinges on harmonized national policies, robust capacity building, and readily available investment projects. This collective strategy is essential to overcome common barriers and leverage regional strengths, ensuring a consistent and impactful transition to low-carbon shipping solutions. Stronger regional coordination will facilitate knowledge sharing and the adoption of best practices across diverse island nations.

Advancing Clean Fuel Pathways and Infrastructure

Discussions also centered on identifying viable fuel pathways and addressing the significant infrastructure needs for adopting clean fuels. Improving access to finance for sustainable port infrastructure and alternative marine fuels is paramount. As Dr. Jose Matheickal of the IMO emphasized, “credible project pipelines are needed to allow finance to flow,” underscoring the importance of tangible, fundable initiatives. This regional push represents a vital step towards a more environmentally responsible future for Caribbean maritime trade, aligning with global climate goals.