Turning climate ambition into practical action was the focus of the Global Maritime Technology Cooperation Centres Network (GMN) Phase II workshop, hosted at the World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden, from 6 to 8 May 2026.
Discussions focused on the immediate priorities for implementing the IMO 2023 GHG Strategy, including access to finance, regional coordination, skills development and support for developing countries. Participants explored how ongoing global discussions and IMO technical support can better connect with national and regional implementation needs, in line with this year's World Maritime Day theme, "From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence".
A dedicated session on maritime decarbonization finance examined barriers to investment in developing countries and the need to build stronger pipelines for sustainable projects.
Gyorgyi Gurban, Head of Climate Action and Clean Air Technical Cooperation in IMO's Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division, said: "Unlocking delivery will require innovative financing, stronger support from MDBs and the private sector, and tackling the key offtake bottleneck in a coherent manner".
The workshop also highlighted the importance of workforce readiness and inclusion in supporting the maritime energy transition. Sessions addressed skills development for emerging technologies and alternative fuels, as well as the integration of gender considerations into implementation efforts.
More than 80 participants from 33 organizations, including Maritime Technology Cooperation Centres (MTCCs), pilot countries, academia and international partners, took part in the workshop. Hosted at WMU, the event also enabled postgraduate students to engage directly with practitioners and industry representatives.
GMN Phase II is an IMO-led, EU-funded project supporting developing countries, particularly Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), through technical cooperation, capacity-building and pilot projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport.
