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Maritime professionals from small island development states (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs) have completed the first stage of an intensive sustainable maritime transport training, as part of the 2025 GHG-SMART Training Programme. These core training sessions, held online (9-13 June), covered key topics related to maritime decarbonization including regulatory, policy, technological and financial issues. It addressed a major barrier SIDS and LDCs: accessing finance for environmental and climate action.
Twenty-three participants from 13 SIDS and LDCs from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, the Pacific and the Indian Ocean regions, discussed pathways for financing maritime climate action. Participants enriched their knowledge about IMO regulations and technologies for reducing emissions from ships and ports.
"Understanding financing opportunities is essential to effectively implement climate-aligned activities," said Madagascar representative Ms. Julia Randrianarivelo, Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy. "This training has strengthened my ability to lead inclusive, multisectoral dialogues on maritime decarbonization, aligned with my responsibilities in the blue economy at the regional level."
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"I really appreciated how the sessions focused on the realities of SIDS and LDCs, it felt relevant and grounded. After this week of learning, I feel better equipped, motivated, and hopeful that I can play a more active role in local efforts to achieve greenhouse gas targets and making real change in our maritime sector," added Seychelles representative Ms. Rajelle Barbe, Seychelles Port Authority.
The online training is the first stage of a one-year training programme under GHG-SMART that combines online thematic courses with a hands-on practical field visit to Busan, Republic of Korea (3-7 November 2025) and post-training career-development activities, including at the World Maritime University. About the GHG-SMART project
The GHG-SMART project is a forward-thinking initiative funded by the Republic of Korea and implemented by IMO. It aims to build the capacity of SIDS and LDCs to tackle the urgent challenges of maritime decarbonization and implement the 2023 IMO Strategy to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Shipping (IMO GHG Strategy).
The 2025 edition of the GHG-SMART training programme comprises of maritime representatives from Bangladesh, Belize, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Mauritania, Mauritius, Nepal, Seychelles, Suriname, United Republic of Tanzania, and Vanuatu. With the launch of the first annual edition in 2022, nearly 50 SIDS and LDCs have now benefitted from this programme. The programme consisted of :
- Needs-based Training: Tailored content addressing the unique challenges faced by SIDS and LDCs in maritime decarbonization.
- Hands-on Experience: A one-week practical training session in the Republic of Korea, including industry visits, providing real-world insights into maritime decarbonization.
- Post-training Engagement: Opportunities for continued involvement through the GHG-SMART alumni network.
- Training Structured Training Plans (TSTP) to ensure sustainability and country engagement beyond the training programme
- Opportunity for advanced learning: Full scholarships for the best performing trainees to pursue a Master of Science in Maritime Energy Management at the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden, covering tuition, accommodation, living expenses, and travel.
