The International Maritime Organization (IMO), in partnership with national authorities and with the World Maritime University (WMU), has delivered two national workshops under the SMART-C GHG Project, advancing efforts to accelerate maritime decarbonization in South-East Asia.
Shaping Viet Nam’s National Action Plan
The series began in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam (8-10 April), where a National Workshop on "GHG Emissions Data and National Action Plan" convened a broad cross-section of stakeholders to strengthen the country’s approach to maritime emissions data and policy development.
Discussions focused on building a common understanding of the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy and the role of National Action Plans (NAPs), which support Viet Nam in translating global ambitions into coordinated national measures to reduce emissions from shipping.
Participants examined existing data collection mechanisms, discussed the scope of Viet Nam’s future NAP, and reviewed national regulatory frameworks against the requirements of MARPOL Annex VI and the IMO GHG Strategy, identifying areas for alignment and improvement. A field visit to Cat Lai Port provided first-hand insights into port operations and emissions-related practices.
The workshop concluded with the establishment of a National Taskforce and development a national maritime GHG emissions baseline, an essential foundation for an effective NAP.
Green shipping momentum in the Philippines
Building on this momentum, the Philippines hosted the “Accelerating Maritime Decarbonization in the Philippines through Data, Innovation, and Collaboration” National Workshop in Cebu (13-16 April).
The event formally launched the country’s engagement under the SMART-C GHG Project and set the direction for subsequent technical work.
The workshop brought together a range of government agencies, along with port authorities, shipping companies, shipyards, academia and research organizations.
Participants assessed maritime data collection in the Philippines, identifying challenges in the collection, sharing and integration of emissions-related data. They explored international practices, IMO guidance and national regulatory frameworks, aligning domestic measures with the IMO GHG Strategy and MARPOL Annex VI.
Study visits to Cebu Port, including onboard observation of passenger ships, allowed participants to examine energy efficiency measures and fuel oil consumption records.
The workshop established priority actions, focal points and an indicative timeline for developing the national emissions baseline and progressing NAP preparation.
Data systems to boost decarbonization
Workshops in both countries underscored the need for robust data systems and stakeholder engagement inclusive stakeholder engagement. They emphasized incorporating domestic shipping into data collection and National Action Plans, while promoting effective, evidence-based NAPs.
The SMART-C GHG Project, funded by the Republic of Korea, supports participating countries in building capacity to implement the IMO GHG Strategy and reduce emissions from international shipping.
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