Maritime decarbonization in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) just took a significant leap forward. The 2025 annual training cycle of the GHG-SMART programme wrapped up, empowering 23 maritime professionals from 13 nations with the tools to tackle shipping emissions head-on.
This wasn’t just another training programme. It was a year-long deep dive into the regulatory, policy, technological, and financial sides of decarbonization, blending online learning, in-person sessions, and real-world assignments. Participants from Bangladesh to Vanuatu rolled up their sleeves, tackling everything from emissions regulations to financing clean tech.
The programme culminated in Busan, South Korea, where trainees got their hands dirty with interactive workshops and field visits to maritime institutions. Experts from the IMO, World Maritime University, Green Climate Fund, and other heavy hitters shared their playbooks, offering practical insights on modernizing ports, adopting cleaner technologies, and strengthening regulations.
For Rajelle Barbe, an Environment, Social Impact, and Safety Manager from Seychelles, the peer exchange was a game-changer. “Seeing real-world solutions and learning alongside peers from SIDS and LDCs gave me a much clearer picture of what’s possible for our port,” she said. The standout? Hearing how others are tackling similar challenges and getting practical advice on financing—crucial for ports with tight budgets.
Esther Ken, a Marine Pollution Officer from Vanuatu, echoed this sentiment. The lessons learned, she said, will help modernize port operations, adopt cleaner technologies, and strengthen regulatory frameworks—ensuring the maritime sector remains competitive while slashing its environmental footprint.
This is about more than just training. GHG-SMART equips participants with the tools to implement best practices aligned with the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy within their national contexts. With the 2025 cycle complete, over 80 participants from 47 SIDS and LDCs have now been trained. And the top performers? They earn full scholarships to pursue master’s degrees at the World Maritime University, further advancing their expertise in maritime energy management.
This is how progress happens—not just through policy, but through people. By empowering maritime professionals with the knowledge and networks to drive change, GHG-SMART is helping SIDS and LDCs chart a course toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.