Low Carbon Sea Transport

Shipping is the most important economic sector in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which is severely threatened by rising sea levels. The national shipping fleet depends on imported fuels and these are also a major source of greenhouse gases and air pollutants. The project supports the Marshall Islands in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transport costs in domestic maritime transport. To this end, low-emission drive technologies are first developed and evaluated technically and economically. This stage is followed by the practical testing of a new ship which will be built for the national fleet, using selected low-emission technologies. The ship’s crew will also receive the necessary training. The project intends to send out a strong regional and global signal for the decarbonisation of sea transport. The accompanying policy advice also supports the Government of the Marshall Islands and the Pacific States by helping them to represent their own interests and those of the region at the UN climate negotiations and within the International Maritime Organization.

Project data

Countries: Marshall Islands
IKI funding: 15,033,000.00 €
Duration: 06/2017 till 03/2025
Status: open
Implementing organisation: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
Political Partner: Ministry of Transport and Communications - Marshall Islands
Implementing Partner: Climate Action Network (CAN)

Hochschule Emden Leer (HEL)

The Pacific Community (SPC)

Waan Aelõñ in Majel (WAM)
Online: https://www.giz.de/en/worldwide/59626.html

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State of implementation/results

Since July 2024 the sailing vessel SV Juren Ae built by the project has been in operation in the Marshall Islands. Calculations show that up to 80% of CO2 emissions can be saved compared to conventional ships of this size. The ship has been in regular operation since the beginning of September 2024 and cadets are now being continuously trained on board. Findings from the operation of the sailing vessel are shared with other Pacific island states.
In May 2024.
In July 2024, written boat building instructions were handed over to the project partner WAM - Canoes of the Marshall Islands. This marks the formal end of the successful collaboration on the small boat component of the project.
In May 2024, the project presented the results of bilateral cooperation on the domestic shipping sector at the Marshall Islands' National Climate Week.
In January 2024, a short film was released showing the success of the catamarans developed and built by the project. These small boats are used for fishing and transportation within the Marshallese lagoons.
During the UNFCCC Climate COP 28 in Dubai, the project organized a side event at the SPREP Moana Pacific Pavilion, which drew attention to the need to promote innovative maritime solutions.
In October 2023, the project took part in the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership Conference, where Marshallese expertise in promoting sustainable maritime transport solutions for the Pacific and globally was contributed.
In June 2023, an IMO capacity training was facilitated for representatives of several Pacific Island nations, providing maritime expertise.
In May 2023 the keel laying ceremony of the innovative new ship took place in South Korea (www.hellenicshippingnews.com/…).
In February 2023, the newly constructed maritime training center was handed over to the partner Marshall Islands Shipping Corporation.
In April 2022, the project team visited Likiep Atoll and was able to successfully test drive the catamaran of the project partner Waan Aelõñ in Majel (WAM).
Between August and December 2021, the project supported the Republic of the Marshall Islands at the International Maritime Organization's Intersessional Working Group Meetings on Greenhouse Gas Emission.
In November 2021, a film about the project achievements as well as the SV Kwai sailing vessel acquired from the Marshall Islands was published on the GIZ Pacific YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/…).