African countries map out net-zero shipping strategy

February 21, 2025, by Aida Čučuk

African countries have mapped out practical measures to advance the green transition of shipping on the continent, focusing on maritime governance, infrastructure development and job creation.

Port of Mombasa, Kenya. Courtesy of IAPH

During an event in Kenya, organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in collaboration with the Kenyan Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, and in partnership with the Danish Maritime Authority, 35 nations discussed these actions, as well as how to support the implementation of IMO’s ‘Revised Strategy for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships’ (‘IMO GHG Strategy’) across the continent.

Over two days of deliberations, delegates, reportedly, identified actionable steps that countries could take to increase ratification and implementation of MARPOL Annex VI (the IMO treaty regulating emissions from ships into the air), increase national action plans on GHG reduction, advance sustainable port development, accelerate alternative fuel production and availability, create more green maritime jobs and identify green shipping investment opportunities, as well as improve seafarer training.

As disclosed, the outcome of discussions will be reflected in a workshop document summarizing identified challenges, recommendations and needs for assistance from African countries.

Hassan Ali Joho, Cabinet Secretary at the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs of Kenya, commented: “Our ports, shipping routes, and maritime industries are integral to global trade and must evolve in alignment with the net-zero emissions target by 2050… By doing so, we can create green jobs, attract investments, and build resilient economies while addressing the pressing challenges of climate change.”

Arsenio Dominguez, IMO’s Secretary-General, stated: “The IMO’s climate ambition is clear. The focus now should be on action and implementation, and IMO stands ready to support African Member States in their efforts.”

Note that a new report, developed by the IMO Coordinated Actions to Reduce Emissions from Shipping initiative (IMO CARES), highlighted key actions to curb GHG emissions from domestic shipping in Africa and the Caribbean.

The report analyzed domestic fleets in African and Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), outlining priority areas for action:

national action plans (NAPs) – develop and implement tailored NAPs to address the specific needs of domestic shipping in SIDS and LDCs, aligning with global climate goals and regional priorities;
stakeholder collaboration – strengthen partnerships among governments, ports, technology providers and industry players to overcome barriers such as limited funding, regulatory gaps and technological challenges;
fleet renewal and ports as energy bubs – invest in sustainable port infrastructure and promote fleet renewal with energy-efficient and zero-emission technologies; and
capacity building and financing – support training programs and innovative financing mechanisms to facilitate the adoption of green technologies and enable the transition to net-zero domestic shipping.

Anton Rhodes, Project Manager, IMO CARES, said: “Domestic shipping is a lifeline for SIDS and LDCs, ensuring food and energy security, enhancing connectivity, and creating jobs. At the same time, its decarbonization is critical for achieving IMO’s greenhouse gas reduction goals. This report serves as a roadmap for relevant stakeholders in their decarbonization efforts.”