New IMO CARES report urges tackling GHG emissions of domestic shipping in Africa, Caribbean

A new report has highlighted key actions to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from domestic shipping in Africa and the Caribbean. 

The report, developed by the IMO Coordinated Actions to Reduce Emissions from Shipping initiative (IMO CARES), underscores the critical role of domestic shipping in developing countries, while noting its significant contribution to global GHG emissions.  

Domestic shipping accounts for 26.2% of total shipping emissions when considering domestic voyages, and 9.2% for ships engaged exclusively in domestic operations. 

To support decarbonisation of the sector, the report analyses domestic fleets in African and Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), outlining priority areas for action as follows: 

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. 

Taking into account fleet composition, vessel types, age profiles, fuel consumption and emissions, the IMOCARES report evaluates the appropriateness of green technologies for domestic shipping in SIDS and LDCs, including wind, solar, battery power, vessel efficiency improvements and alternative fuels. 

The report calls for significant investments in zero-emission technologies, capacity building, and policies to support sustainable practices. It emphasizes that collaboration among stakeholders is essential, with pilot programmes and technology trials playing a key role in scaling up widespread adoption of clean technologies. 

Welcoming the report, IMO CARES project manager Anton Rhodes 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 decarbonisation is critical for achieving IMO’s greenhouse gas reduction goals. This report serves as a roadmap for relevant stakeholders in their decarbonisation efforts.”