International delegates attending the 4th IMO-UNEP-Norway Innovation Forum (24-25 October) have outlined a set of key recommendations to support developing countries in their journey to net zero shipping. 

The recommendations, aimed at governments, industry partners and stakeholders involved in the maritime sector, cover a range of actions in finance, training, regulatory frameworks and national strategies. 

Based on expert insights and interactive discussions at the 4th Innovation Forum, organized by IMO in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and funded by the Government of Norway, these proposals will contribute to shaping more targeted support to Member States. In particular, Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developing Countries (LDCs), stand to benefit from the opportunities offered by maritime decarbonization. 

A call for accelerated action 

Opening the event, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez, highlighted how these discussions will help deliver on the goals outlined in the 2023 IMO Strategy on the Reduction of Greenhouse gas (GHG) Emissions from Ships, including reaching net-zero GHG emissions from international shipping by or around, i.e. close to 2050, with a significant uptake of alternative zero and near-zero GHG fuels by 2030.  

“Key elements in the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy requires all stakeholders to join in a series of undertakings to support the transition… We all have a duty to ensure  that no one is left behind in the decarbonization transition, and that developing countries benefit from maritime decarbonization opportunities,” he said. 

H.E. Mr. Tore Hattrem, Ambassador of Norway to the United Kingdom encouraged the exchange of best practices and solutions, including those emanating from the work of IMO’s GreenVoyage2050 programme to support LDCs and SIDS, funded by Norway. 

Ms. Martina Otto, Head of Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) Secretariat, Industry and Economy Division (IED), UNEP urged the shipping industry to do its part to support global climate goals: “Innovation is key to unlocking solution and getting them at scale. It’s time for the maritime sector to pool its economic power for good.” 

Panel discussions and recommendations 

The hybrid event brought together 30 expert speakers from over 12 countries and several international organizations, along with more than 1500 participants, to focus on the following topics: 

  • Innovation and Technology Cooperation models for sustainable maritime development (national, regional, global level best practices) 
  • National approaches to implementation of the IMO 2023 GHG Strategy 
  • Global support to innovation in maritime decarbonization 
  • Maritime decarbonization: A just transition for seafarers 
  • Enabling innovation in maritime decarbonization through finance 

Some of the recommendations generated from these sessions included: 

  • National Action Plans: Link national maritime decarbonization plans with national energy plans, projects and port investments 
  • IMO 2023 GHG Strategy: Implement IMO 2023 GHG Strategy at national level, bringing together public and private sectors to break the silos in existing maritime operations 
  • Multi track action: Advance on parallel tracks of action including the regulatory track (further defining binding regulations to reduce GHG emissions from international shipping in IMO) as well as a parallel track focusing on overcoming barriers, defining supportive actions across different sectors, stepping up capacity building, technical cooperation and research and development, supporting investments. This parallel track goes beyond international shipping and requires partnerships with ports, energy and finances sectors, among others; 
  • Innovative and collaborative funding models: Recognize that the diverse nature of the shipping sector, especially in SIDS and LDCS, require targeted solutions, further grants/ODA support, as well as innovative financing solutions (such as gap funding, green bonds); 
  • Training for seafarers: Ensure seafarers are trained in the use of new technologies and fuels, including through the comprehensive review and update of the STCW Convention and by actively engaging with seafarers to address their concerns 
  • Finance: Develop the capacity of maritime authorities to access international finance and develop bankable project proposals; Identify various financing streams for maritime decarbonization and targeted support for different market segments, and in this respect, to pilot a financial taxonomy and baseline. 

See full list of recommendations 

Promoting gender equality 

The event featured a strong female presence, in line with IMO’s commitment to supporting gender equality in the maritime sector. The technical discussion on ‘National approaches to implementation of the IMO 2023 GHG Strategy’ (Session 3) featured an all-female panel with representatives from Chile, Namibia, Philippines and Trinidad and Tobago leading the discussions about maritime decarbonization strategies in their respective countries.  

In addition, the topic of supporting women leaders and contributors in the innovation landscape featured in discussions throughout all sessions. 

For more information about the event sessions, please visit the event page.   

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About the IMO-UNEP-Norway Innovation Forum series 

After the adoption of the Initial IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships on 13 April 2018, the Government of Norway, the IMO Secretariat and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) discussed ways of supporting the Strategy to reduce emissions from shipping through advocating and promoting technological innovation. 

A gap was identified in the existence a global platform to discuss these ideas, leading to the establishment of the IMO-UNEP-Norway Zero- and Low-Emission Innovation Forum. The forum was designed to promote innovation for accelerating the transition of the maritime sector towards a zero- and low-emission future. Since its inception in 2021, four editions of the Innovation Forum have taken place. 

The Innovation Forum directly supports implementation of the 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships.