The 27th Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP27) is the highest profile international event dedicated to fighting global climate change. MTCC Africa and the IMO Cares Project showcased an on-site and online session titled “Mobilizing Global Support for Green Maritime Transition in Africa”, on 16 November 2022 in Sharm El Sheikh.
Developing countries are particularly looking to maximise key opportunities arising from decarbonized shipping. A COP27 side event, organized by MTCC Africa and the IMO CARES Project in collaboration with OceanHub Africa, explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration in decarbonization efforts across and beyond the maritime industry. Speakers from organizations including MTCC Africa, IMO, OceanHub Africa, African Development Bank (AfDB), International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Lloyd’s Register and West Africa Alliance on Carbon Market and Climate Finance discussed ways to bring all the decarbonization stakeholders and initiatives together and create an inclusive environment aimed at encouraging closer collaboration and partnerships.
The IMO Cares Project aims to create a global cooperation framework that encourages stakeholders to work on the same challenges and find solutions that are mutually beneficial, said Petra Ahari, IMO Cares Project. “Technology deployment is a key area, and we need to look at how we can share best practices and how we can connect the technological knowledge of the North with the South, especially Africa,” said Gyorgyi Gurban, the IMO’s head of project implementation.
All speakers agreed on the need for collaboration and cooperation in the decarbonization journey and in promoting a just and equitable transition to zero-carbon shipping, leaving no one behind.
