IMOCARES Report Funded by KSA Shares Insights on Domestic Shipping in Africa and the Caribbean

The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) project, Coordinated Actions to Reduce Emissions from Shipping (IMOCARES) funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has released its latest report outlining key findings and measures to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from domestic shipping in Africa and the Caribbean. The report provides essential insights into the role of domestic shipping in developing countries and its contribution to global GHG emissions in line with the IMO objectives. 

Funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the project supports Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in adopting market-ready technologies to enhance vessel and port efficiency, reduce operational costs, and lower emissions. IMOCARES plays a crucial role in facilitating this cooperation through the support of SIDS and LDCs to reach the IMOs targets. This report underscores IMOCARES' ongoing efforts to develop technology-driven solutions for sustainable domestic shipping. 

The IMOCARES report analyses domestic fleets of Africa and the Caribbean and outlines priority areas for action. These include but are not limited to; 

• 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 & Ports as Energy Hubs – Invest in sustainable port infrastructure (e.g., shore power systems, alternative fuel bunkering) and promote fleet renewal with energy-efficient and zero-emission technologies.  

• Capacity Building & Financing – Support training programs and innovative financing mechanisms to facilitate the adoption of green technologies and enable the transition to net-zero domestic shipping. 

  
  

The report also highlights key findings on fleet composition, vessel function (including fishing and cargo transport), fuel consumption, and emissions to evaluate viable green technology pathways. It further showcases innovations such as wind and solar power, battery solutions, improvements in vessel efficiency, and alternative fuels and the role they have in reducing operational costs and GHG emissions. The IMOCARES report signifies a crucial milestone in the project’s mission to support SIDS and LDCs on the path to decarbonization and serves as a strategic roadmap for policymakers, industry leaders, and maritime stakeholders, providing a clear direction for achieving long-term emissions reductions and fostering a more resilient and sustainable maritime sector with four project beneficiaries in 2023 – 2025: 

• Port Louis - Mauritius,  

• Port of Walvis Bay and Port of Luderitz - Namibia  

• Port of Point Lisas and Port of Galeota - Trinidad and Tobago 

• Port of Basseterre – St. Kitts and Nevis 

  
  

IMOCARES plays a crucial role in facilitating this cooperation through the support of SIDS and LDCs to reach the IMOs targets. This report underscores IMOCARES' ongoing efforts to develop technology-driven solutions for sustainable domestic shipping where Saudi Arabia is committed to fostering cooperation between IMO Member States and supporting capacity building to access new technologies through collaboration to support the IMO’s objectives.