Caribbean countries and maritime stakeholders have developed a draft regional roadmap to advance maritime decarbonization and ensure a just transition across the region.
The initiative is expected to provide a shared framework for Caribbean countries, regional institutions, the maritime industry and development partners to advance practical projects, investment and technical cooperation.
The draft Caribbean Regional Roadmap for Maritime Decarbonization and a Just Transition (2027-2035) aims to provide a practical framework for coordinated regional action, technical cooperation and investment. It was developed during a regional workshop held in Georgetown, Guyana (28-29 October)
The event brought together representatives from maritime administrations, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA), financial institutions, regional universities and other maritime stakeholders.
The workshop aimed to identify priority actions to implement the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy, while safeguarding affordable shipping, regional connectivity and essential maritime services.
Five strategic priorities for action
Building on earlier regional consultations, participants reviewed actions under five strategic pillars:
Policy, governance and regional cooperation: Strengthening national maritime legislation, institutional capacity, support for maritime GHG National Action Plans and regional coordination.
Energy-efficient shipping, green ports and digitalization: Improving ship and port energy efficiency, emissions data collection and access to clean electricity.
Sustainable marine fuels, bunkering and green corridors: Assessing alternative marine fuels, infrastructure needs and opportunities for green shipping corridors.
Financing, investment and project development: Identifying investment opportunities and developing a pipeline of regional projects.
Capacity development, safety and just transition: Strengthening maritime education and training, promoting gender equality and youth opportunities, and safeguarding workers and vulnerable communities.
A key outcome was the development of a draft Implementation Action Matrix, translating these priorities into practical actions, with proposed timelines, milestones, performance indicators, potential partners and financing requirements.
Next steps
The draft Roadmap and Implementation Action Matrix will be consolidated and circulated to Member States for national consultations, with feedback expected by 20 December 2026.
The proposed next steps include consideration through the regional Directors and Heads of Maritime Administrations (DIHMAR) process in January 2027, followed by engagement through relevant CARICOM mechanisms.
The Roadmap may also inform a submission to the 77th session of IMO's Technical Cooperation Committee (TC 77) in June 2027.
