The Global MTCC Network (GMN) Phase I Project, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), was launched to strengthen capacity in developing countries for promoting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping.
Under this initiative, the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre – Caribbean (MTCC Caribbean) was established in 2017, hosted by The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT). MTCC Caribbean became one of five regional centres forming the GMN network, each tasked with promoting energy-efficient and low-carbon technologies in the maritime sector.
This project, formally entitled "Capacity Building for Climate Change Mitigation in the Maritime Shipping Industry" sought to enable developing countries, especially Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), in the target regions to effectively implement energy-efficiency measures through technical assistance, capacity building and promoting technical cooperation.
The primary objectives of MTCC Caribbean under GMN Phase I were to:
- Improving capability in the region - by working with maritime administrations, port authorities, other relevant government departments and related shipping stakeholders to facilitate compliance with international regulations on energy efficiency for ships
- Promoting the uptake of low-carbon technologies and operations in the maritime sector through pilot projects
- Raising awareness about policies, strategies and measures for the reduction of ghg and other emissions from the maritime transport sector
- Demonstrating a pilot-scale system for collecting data and reporting on ships' fuel consumption to improve shipowners' and maritime administrations' understanding in this regard, and
- Developing and implementing strategies to sustain the impact of MTCC results and activities beyond the project time-line.
To achieve these goals, the MTCC Caribbean implemented two pilot projects:
- Uptake of Ship Energy Efficient Technologies and Operations – demonstrating practical methods to improve vessel performance and reduce fuel consumption.
- Fuel Consumption Data Collection and Reporting – creating a baseline on the use of ship energy efficient technology in the Caribbean region.
Through these pilots, MTCC Caribbean engaged with maritime administrations, ship operators, and port authorities across the region, providing training, technical assistance and baseline data to make informed decisions towards investment in energy efficient technologies and emissions abatement and control methods.
The work accomplished under GMN Phase I laid the foundation for MTCC Caribbean's continued leadership in maritime decarbonisation. The lessons learned and partnerships formed during this phase now underpin the Centre's expanded efforts under GMN Phase II, which builds on this legacy to implement pilot decarbonisation projects and scale up regional capacity building.
Pilot Projects
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GMN Phase I Pilot Projects
During GMN Phase I, MTCC Caribbean implemented two pilot projects designed to strengthen regional understanding of ship energy efficiency and support compliance with IMO's data collection requirements. These pilots were executed over a three-year period and provided the first coordinated baseline on the use of energy efficient technologies, fuel consumption patterns, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from vessels operating in the Caribbean.
The information collected now serves as a valuable reference for regional decision makers, guiding investments in energy efficient technologies, supporting MARPOL Annex VI compliance assessments, and informing policy development on maritime environmental and operational matters. The results also contributed to regional dialogue on low carbon solutions and supported the continued advancement of clean technology uptake under subsequent IMO initiatives.
Pilot Project 1: Uptake of Ship Energy Efficiency Technologies (Completed)
Pilot Project 1 examined the extent to which energy efficient technologies and practices were being used on vessels trading within the Caribbean. Through data collection and stakeholder engagement, the project identified the types of technologies in use, highlighted the main energy consumers on board, and evaluated emissions abatement measures available during the period.
A cost benefit analysis was also performed to assess the practicality of adopting various technologies and operational measures. The results provided ship owners, operators, and maritime administrations with a clear understanding of the performance and financial implications of energy efficiency improvements.
Key outcomes included:
- Mapping of existing shipboard energy efficient technologies and best practices used in the region during 2017–2018.
- Identification of primary energy consumers and associated abatement options.
- Assessment of cost benefit considerations for adopting additional energy efficiency measures.
- Increased awareness through workshops and information sharing sessions.
Pilot Project 2: Fuel Consumption Data Collection and Reporting (Completed)
Pilot Project 2 established a regional fuel consumption data collection system to support energy efficiency monitoring and assist Caribbean flag States in preparing for the IMO's global data collection requirements.
Data was gathered from vessels operating across the region, including information on fuel type, quantity consumed, vessel speed, and operational profiles between ports. The project also documented the equipment and machinery on board participating vessels to support accurate analysis of consumption patterns.
This effort enabled MTCC Caribbean to deliver the region's first baseline on fuel use and emissions associated with commercial shipping activities, improving understanding of vessel performance and strengthening readiness for IMO reporting obligations.
Key outcomes included:
- Development of a regional framework for collecting and analysing ship fuel consumption data.
- Establishment of baseline information on operational fuel use and emissions across multiple vessel types.
- Support for flag States in understanding emerging IMO data reporting requirements.
- A foundation for tools that assess vessel efficiency and guide future decarbonisation actions."
