Caribbean countries are awaiting feedback on a proposed regional roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime and shipping industry, with national consultations expected to conclude by December 20, 2026, ahead of its consideration by regional maritime authorities in January 2027.
Member States participating in the national consultations will be provided with the draft Roadmap and Implementation Action Matrix, which they will review before consolidating their feedback for submission by December 20, 2026.
Following the consultations, regional Directors and Heads of Maritime Administrations (DIHMAR) will consider the draft in January 2027, followed by further engagement through relevant Caribbean Community (CARICOM) mechanisms, according to the Hellenic Shipping News report.
The 77th session of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Technical Co-operation Committee in June 2027 could also be briefed on the proposed roadmap.
Caribbean Regional Roadmap for Maritime Decarbonisation and a Just Transition (2027–2035)
The draft “Caribbean Regional Roadmap for Maritime Decarbonisation and a Just Transition (2027–2035)” outlines five priority areas: policy and regional co-operation, energy efficiency and green ports, sustainable marine fuels, financing and investment and training and just transition.
The proposed framework aims to strengthen maritime regulations and regional co-operation, improve vessel and port energy efficiency, expand access to clean electricity, and encourage the adoption of alternative marine fuels and environmentally friendly shipping routes.
The roadmap was first created on October 28 and 29, 2026, during a regional workshop in Georgetown, Guyana.
The workshop’s goal was to determine the most important steps for putting the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy into practice while preserving accessible shipping, regional connectivity, and vital maritime services.
Attendees included representatives from regional universities, financial institutions, CARICOM, the Caribbean Shipping Association, and other maritime stakeholders.
READ NEXT: Filipino seafarers to meet dozens of firms at recruitment expo
Levi Mora 
Eugene Nicklaus S. Laqui 
Rosemarie Zamora