Seizing opportunities for developing countries in providing zero-carbon fuels to global shipping

IMO-UNCTAD side event at COP26: Wednesday, 10 November 2021

IMO-UNCTAD side event at COP26

Date: 10 November 2021 

Decarbonization of international shipping requires a rapid shift from today’s predominant use of fossil fuels to zero-carbon alternatives.  

The decarbonization of the global shipping industry will require new low-carbon fuels. This presents a great opportunity for developing countries, a COP 26 side event heard.  

The IMO-UNCTAD organized event, Seizing opportunities for developing countries in providing zero-carbon fuels to global shipping (10 November), was held during the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, United Kingdom.  

“There is a need for low and zero carbon marine fuels - this creates a promising opportunity for several developing nations because of geographic locations and their access to abundant renewable sources of energy,” said IMO’s Jose Matheickal. 

Panelists from Chile, Indonesia, Kenya, Panama  and South Africa highlighted their countries’ push to support the transition to clean and sustainable fuels for shipping, including the potential for supplying green ammonia and green hydrogen.

Read the summary of the event here. 

Please find the flyer here.

For a recording of the event, please go to: COP26 Side Events - YouTube

Relevant documents and links

• Technical co-operation and transfer of technology (imo.org)
• UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 
• UNCTAD maritime statistics 
• UNCTAD maritime country profiles   
• World Bank study on The Potential of zero-carbon bunker fuels in developing countries
• IMO’s work to cut GHG emissions from ships
• IMO submission to SBSTA 52-55.pdf
• Partnerships and Projects (imo.org)

Presentations

• Mr. Jose Matheickal (Moderator). Chief, Department of Partnerships and Projects, IMO. Please find the presentation here. 
  

• Ms. Isabelle Durant. Deputy Secretary-General, UNCTAD. 
  

• Mr. Binyam Reja. Acting Global Director for Transport, and Manager of Global Unit in the Transport Global Practice, World Bank. Please find the presentation here.
  

• Ms. Johannah Christensen. CEO, Global Maritime Forum. Please find the presentation here. 
  

• Mr. Basilio Dias Araujo. Deputy for Maritime Sovereignty and Energy, Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Indonesia. Please find the presentation here. 
  

• Ms. Nancy Wakarime Karigithu. Principal Secretary, State Department for Maritime and Shipping Affairs, Kenya.  Please find the presentation here. 
  

• M. Jak Koseff. Senior Advisor: Economic Acceleration & Special Projects, Office of the MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Agriculture & Rural Development, Gauteng Provincial Government, South Africa. Please find the presentation here. 
  

• Mr. Camilo Avilés Arias. Unit Head for New Energy Carriers, Division for Fuels and Energy Carries, Ministry of Energy, Chile. 
  

• Mr. Alexis Rodriguez. Sustainability specialist, Panama Canal. Please find the presentation here. 
  

For any question, please contact Roel Hoenders rhoenders@imo.org