Work to promote energy-efficient shipping is underway at the newly-established Caribbean Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre (MTCC) with a conference at the Centre’s headquarters at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (27-28 June). The Centre is part of the global network for energy-efficient shipping under the GMN project, funded by the European Union and run by IMO.

The conference is the first regional event to take place under the project, which has established a network of five such regional MTCCs. Together, they are promoting technologies and operations to improve energy efficiency in the maritime sector and help navigate shipping into a low-carbon future.

The Trinidad and Tobago event brings together senior maritime administrators, legal officers and technical specialists from twelve Caribbean States including Trinidad and Tobago. Speakers will provide an overview of MTCC-Caribbean and its mandate for climate change mitigation, and the role of national maritime administrations. It is also focusing on the region’s ratification and implementation of IMO regulations for preventing air pollution from ships (via the MARPOL Annex VI treaty). A regional steering committee is being established to help achieve the MTCC-Caribbean’s goals.