Maritime Technologies Cooperation Centres are key components

Caribbean seaport operators and managers can make a difference.

By Deniece M. Aiken*

The recently adopted International Maritime Organization’s Greenhouse Gas Strategy (“IMO GHG Strategy”) has created mounting pressure to meet the impending decarbonization targets on states and other industry stakeholders. With just six years until 2030, the shipping industry is entrenched in the implementation phase, focusing on deploying short-term measures. These soon transition to mid-term measures, expected to be adopted by 2025 and enter into force by 2027. These regulatory actions aim for a 40% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030, compared to 2008 levels.

Route Optimization

The implementation phase focuses on enhancing operational practices and achieving regulatory compliance to deliver immediate reductions in maritime emissions. Key components of this phase include the introduction of measures such as the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI). The EEXI mandates existing vessels to undertake operational adjustments to meet predefined energy efficiency benchmarks. Similarly, the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) requires structured actions within the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) to improve vessel efficiency and reduce emissions over time.

Countries such as Australia (via Marine Order 97) and members of the European Union (through the Fit-for-55 Regulations) have successfully incorporated these measures into their national and regional frameworks. However, socio-economic challenges and regulatory disparities have caused delays in adoption across several other states.

To maximize the benefits of this phase, stakeholders are encouraged to embrace energy-saving technologies such as advanced hull coatings, upgraded propellers, and route optimization tools. Additionally, improving voyage planning and vessel speed adjustments can contribute significantly to emissions reductions. Establishing robust emissions monitoring systems remains a critical step in tracking progress and ensuring compliance with decarbonization goals.

The significance of maritime decarbonisation has been widely recognized, leading to the establishment of numerous national and regional initiatives, all aimed at advancing this critical objective.

In Europe, programmes such as the Horizon Europe Baltic-Fit project emphasize collaboration to meet the European Union’s (EU) Fit-for-55 regulations. On a global scale, the IMO has so far championed and supported more than 12 projects to assist developing countries to meet ambitious decarbonization targets. A notable initiative is the Global MTCC Network (GMN), which operates through five regional centres to facilitate maritime decarbonization via pilot projects, technology dissemination, and capacity building. The MTCC1 Caribbean, headquartered at the University of Trinidad and Tobago, plays a pivotal role in this effort. Its initiatives focus on increasing the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies, forging partnerships to improve maritime energy efficiency, assessing compliance with MARPOL Annex VI, and aligning training programmes with these objectives to build regional capacity.

Decarbonisation speed breakers

Caribbean states have proactively pursued initiatives aimed at driving economic growth. For example,  the Jamaica Logistics Hub Initiative (JLHI) aspires to position Jamaica as a pivotal player in global logistics, blending infrastructural advancements with sustainable practices. This initiative is expected to transform Jamaica into a central logistics hub within the Americas, attracting investment and giving it a competitive edge in international trade.

Similarly, the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) has embarked on an ambitious plan to establish St. Croix as a regional transportation hub. This initiative is part of a larger effort to develop a Maritime Ferry Network connecting ports across the Caribbean. Alongside Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, St. Croix aims to streamline maritime traffic, promoting greater trade and economic integration between the USA and Caribbean countries. While these initiatives demonstrate commendable strides toward economic modernization, it is imperative for Caribbean states to align such development efforts with the overarching goal of decarbonization. Integrating sustainable practices within these economic frameworks will be critical to ensuring long-term viability and climate resilience.

Caribbean states have several opportunities to bridge the gaps and advance toward net-zero emissions. Achieving this ambitious goal will require a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving stakeholders, particularly governments, maritime administrations, port authorities, shipping companies, and logistics providers.

One of the most impactful strategies is to advocate for regional policy harmonization. Unified frameworks would streamline compliance for individual ports, enable efficient resource sharing, and foster mutual accountability across the Region. Active participation in funded projects and exploring diverse financing options will also be crucial. Leveraging international funding opportunities and fostering partnerships with private stakeholders and global investors can alleviate the financial burden of decarbonisation initiatives, making them more viable.

Port managers can play a pivotal role by encouraging regional governments to introduce incentives for green shipping practices. Offering benefits such as discounted fees or priority docking for vessels with lower emissions not only encourages compliance but can also attract environmentally conscious clients, enhancing a port’s reputation and competitiveness. While such programmes may involve initial costs, they hold the potential to deliver long-term economic and environmental benefits. Through these and other strategies, the countries and territories of the Caribbean region can make meaningful strides in overcoming existing barriers.

Towards the destination

For the many countries of the Caribbean, the work of achieving net-zero emissions is not a choice but a necessity. Inaction threatens both the regional economy and the environment that sustains it.

As the peoples of the Caribbean region grapple with a vulnerable regulatory infrastructure and financial constraints, port managers across the region are encouraged to champion bold, coordinated strategies to overcome these challenges. The journey may be fraught with obstacles, but the peoples of the Caribbean can set a powerful example for small island nations, everywhere.

In the state’s delicate balance of economic necessity and environmental responsibility, Caribbean seaport operators and managers can make a difference. []

1 Maritime Technologies Cooperation Centres (MTCCs)

* FIRST PUBLISHED: Portside Caribbean 2024 December 20

* Deniece Aiken, PhD,  Attorney-at-Law and Consultant; Maritime Transport Research Group (Estonia); President of WISTA JAMAICA; WiMAC Member; WMU-Koji Sekimizu Fellow for Maritime Governance.