IMO CARES Updates
About IMO CARES
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Coordinated Actions to Reduce Emissions from Shipping (IMO CARES) Project, implemented by the IMO and Funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Transport General Authority (TGA), was launched in 2023. The IMO CARES project intends to assist Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LCDs) in identifying suitable market-ready technology solutions for the improvement of efficiency of selected vessels and ports, with an overall aim of reducing operational costs and GHG emissions. This project focuses on the needs of developing countries in meeting the IMO Energy Efficiency and IMO GHG Strategy targets by promoting technology-focused partnerships, demonstrations of technology as well as knowledge sharing and collaboration among stakeholders.
Objectives of the IMO Cares Project
- To Identify specific maritime decarbonization challenges in developing countries
- To Accelerate the identification of green technologies
- To promote green technology solutions
Events/ Activities under the IMO CARES Project
- The Maritime Technology Global Challenge: This challenge invites technology providers globally to submit market-ready decarbonizing technology solutions for application on ports and domestic vessels (ships under 5,000 GT) earmarked in Africa or the Caribbean region. Up to four technology providers will be chosen and will receive funding ranging from USD 15,000 to USD 30,000 for the development of a comprehensive technical proposal. These providers may then go on to be a part of technology demonstrations in each participating country, with funding of up to USD 500,000, under the GMN Phase II project.
- Regional Women for Maritime Decarbonization Workshop: This regional online workshop seeks to highlight the strides that women in the industry are taking to promote SDG5 as well as sustainable development, especially in the area of decarbonization. The workshop will also highlight opportunities for women in the maritime industry especially as it relates to technology fields.
- Technology Report: highlights maritime technologies and their application, effectiveness matched against needs and opportunities presented in developing regions.
MTCC Caribbean's Involvement in the IMO CARES Project
MTCC Caribbean seeks to facilitate regional cooperation and collaboration to support innovation and stimulate the demonstration and uptake of energy efficiency technologies and alternative fuels in the Caribbean Region. MTCC Caribbean has engaged in extensive stakeholder consultations across the region, resulting in the identification of two target countries, St. Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago, as the focus for tailored technology solutions under the IMO CARES project and technology demonstrations under the Global MTCC Network (GMN) Phase II.
MTCC Caribbean will also serve as part of the expert panel in the Maritime Technology Global Challenge, reviewing proposal submissions, and playing a pivotal role in matching applicable technology solutions to the specific needs and opportunities presented by stakeholders in the targeted countries. Upon the announcement of the winning proposals, MTCC Caribbean will assist these technology providers in developing comprehensive technical proposals, featuring their specific technologies and their application on specific targeted Ports/ domestic vessels.
MTCC Caribbean is also charged with executing a regional "Women for Maritime Decarbonization" online workshop which seeks to highlight the strides made by women concerning SDG 5 and sustainable development of their sector in the industry. To present balanced views, the MTCC Caribbean is building a panel of phenomenal women and men from across the region in both the private and public sectors to present their experiences, challenges and achievements as they relate to gender equality and decarbonization and promoting women in the industry.
