Maritime professionals from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) have completed an intensive training program on sustainable maritime transport in Busan, Republic of Korea, from November 4-8.
Decarbonization strategies, alternative fuels, national action plans (NAPs), port and ship efficiency, and climate finance were key topics for the 18 participants from 13 SIDS and LDCs across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. The training was part of the third annual GHG SMART practical program, designed to strengthen global maritime sustainability efforts.
Organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Korean Maritime Safety Transportation Authority (KOMSA), the event featured leading experts from IMO, the World Maritime University (WMU), the Green Climate Fund, the World Bank, KOMSA, and the Maritime Administration Department of Guyana. Through lectures, group activities, and field visits to key maritime institutions and industrial sites, participants gained hands-on experience in regulatory, policy, technological, and financial aspects of maritime decarbonization.
As a highlight, the top two performers of the 2024 GHG-SMART cohort will receive full scholarships to pursue a Master’s in Energy Management at WMU, further enhancing their expertise in sustainable maritime transport.
Ms. Kesaia Masirewa, Transport Planning Analyst at the Ministry of Public Works of Fiji, shared: “The training emphasized the critical role of climate finance, equipping me with knowledge on accessing financial resources and building partnerships to support Fiji’s maritime decarbonization efforts. It strengthens Fiji’s capacity to align with the IMO GHG strategy and enhances our ability to secure climate finance for low-carbon initiatives.”
Mr. Jeronimo Tamele, Health, Safety, and Environment Manager for the Maputo Port Development Company in Mozambique, noted: “GHG SMART Training provided an invaluable opportunity to build a strong professional network. I am now better equipped to contribute to the energy transition discussions and integrate the acquired knowledge into the strategic sustainability plan for the Port of Maputo.”
Ms. Makerita Antonio-Iese, Principal Shipping Officer at the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of Samoa, highlighted: “The training is crucial in developing Samoa’s fit-for-purpose NAP to implement the IMO GHG Strategy and enhance sustainable maritime developments.”
Mr. Ian Noel, Senior Pilot & Inspector at the Grenada Maritime Administration, reflected on the practical learning experience: “The field trips provided a comprehensive view of how the maritime industry is actively preparing for the revised IMO Strategy on greenhouse gas emissions. Seeing first-hand the technologies and approaches being developed, from energy-efficient ship designs to advanced retrofitting techniques, deepened my understanding of the industry’s direction and future compliance strategies.”
Funded by the Republic of Korea and implemented by IMO, the GHG-SMART project supports SIDS and LDCs in maritime decarbonization through targeted capacity building. This initiative represents an innovative approach to long-term capacity development, incorporating continuous training cycles and advanced learning opportunities at WMU. Since its inception, the program has trained 61 professionals from 38 countries, fostering sustainable maritime practices worldwide.
Participating Countries: The 2024 cohort included professionals from the Bahamas, the Cook Islands, Fiji, the Gambia, Grenada, Mozambique, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Senegal, and Timor-Leste.
