Caribbean Sets Regional Roadmap for Decarbonizing Maritime Transport

Caribbean countries, together with representatives of the maritime industry, drafted a regional roadmap to advance the decarbonization of maritime transport and ensure a just transition in the region. The document, called the Caribbean Regional Roadmap for Maritime Decarbonization and a Just Transition (2027-2035), seeks a common framework for technical cooperation, project development and investment mobilization, in line with the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) 2023 strategy on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The draft was developed during a regional workshop held on October 28 and 29 in Georgetown, Guyana, and announced on November 4. The meeting brought together representatives of maritime administrations, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA), financial institutions, regional universities and other industry stakeholders. According to Ports News Russia, the workshop was convened by the IMO and the CSA, in coordination with the Caribbean Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre (MTCC) and Guyana's Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), and was attended by Guyana's Minister of Public Works and Aviation, Deodat Indar, among other officials.

Building on previous regional consultations, participants defined five strategic pillars to guide the energy transition: strengthening public policy, governance and regional cooperation; improving energy efficiency in maritime transport, developing green ports and advancing digitalization; assessing sustainable marine fuels, bunkering infrastructure and green shipping corridors; identifying investment opportunities and developing regional projects; and strengthening maritime education and training, safety and a just transition, with measures to promote gender equality and opportunities for youth.

One of the main outcomes of the meeting was the drafting of an Implementation Action Matrix, which translates the five priorities into concrete measures with timelines, milestones, performance indicators, potential partners and funding requirements. The roadmap and its matrix will be circulated to member states for national consultations, with comments expected by December 20, 2026. The document is expected to be considered in January 2027 by the regional process of Directors and Heads of Maritime Administrations (DIHMAR), followed by its review through CARICOM mechanisms, and could serve as a basis for a presentation to the IMO's Technical Cooperation Committee in June 2027. According to Ports News Russia, the proposal has not yet received final regional endorsement.