MTCC GMN Phase 2

GMN Phase 2

GMN Phase II is a four-year global initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The project builds on the success of GMN Phase I and strengthens the work of the MTCCs in the Asia, Caribbean, Africa, Latin America and the Pacific.

Under GMN Phase I, the MTCC Caribbean focused on building institutional and human capacity in maritime administrations and port authorities while delivering small scale demonstration pilots. GMN Phase II extends this work by supporting the introduction of energy efficient technologies and low carbon solutions in ports and on domestic vessels under 5000 gross tons. It also strengthens technical cooperation, capacity development and partnerships across the regions.

The overall objective of GMN Phase II is to contribute to the substantial reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport in developing countries. This objective supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, with particular focus on SDG 13 on Climate Action.

Key focus areas of GMN Phase II include:

Uptake of energy efficient technologies and low carbon solutions for ports and ships.
Strengthened capacity of maritime and port authorities, shipping industry stakeholders and government representatives.
Strengthened public private partnerships that promote and support investment in clean maritime practices.
Strengthened engagement and capacity of regional women's organizations on maritime energy efficiency.
Effective global level project management, monitoring, awareness raising and stakeholder coordination.

To support these goals, each MTCC Caribbean is implementing national demonstration pilot projects in three partner countries throughout the Caribbean region. These pilots showcase energy efficiency technologies or operational measures that can be scaled and replicated across the region.

Additional components of GMN Phase II include:

Tailored workshops and training on energy efficient technologies, climate finance and proposal development.
Establishment and engagement of Regional Industry Alliances to support wider adoption of low carbon practices.
Gender focused initiatives that strengthen the role and participation of women in maritime energy efficiency.

As the regional implementing body for the Caribbean, MTCC Caribbean contributes to the delivery of these priorities through its pilot projects, capacity building activities, stakeholder partnerships and technical support programmes.

Pilot Projects

GMN Phase II Pilot Projects

Under GMN Phase II, MTCC Caribbean is implementing demonstration pilot projects across selected partner countries to showcase practical solutions for improving maritime energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These pilots combine technology deployment, data collection and stakeholder engagement to support scalable and evidence-based decarbonisation strategies in the Caribbean.

St. Kitts and Nevis: Wind Energy Pilot Project

This pilot project explores the integration of renewable energy solutions to support energy efficiency and emissions reduction within the maritime sector. The project focuses on assessing the feasibility of wind energy generation through detailed site evaluation and data collection.

In February 2026, wind monitoring equipment was installed at two proposed locations: the Port Administration Building (Basseterre Deep Water Port) and Mornes Peak. The equipment is currently collecting wind speed and related data over a six-month period to inform the site selection process and determine the most suitable location for turbine installation.

In parallel, the wind turbine is currently in the manufacturing phase. Installation activities are expected to commence in St. Kitts and Nevis by January 2027.

The results of this pilot will support decision making on the adoption of renewable energy solutions and provide a model for similar applications across the region.

Trinidad and Tobago: Hull Coating Efficiency Pilot Project

This pilot project focuses on improving vessel energy efficiency through the application of advanced hull coating technology. By reducing hull resistance and biofouling, the project aims to demonstrate measurable reductions in fuel consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions.

The selected vessel has undergone application of the energy efficient hull coating and is currently operating under normal service conditions. The project has now entered the data collection phase, where vessel performance, fuel consumption and operational data are being monitored and analysed.

The findings from this pilot will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of hull coating technologies in the Caribbean context and support ship owners and operators in making informed decisions on energy efficiency investments.

Upcoming Pilot Project

A third pilot project is currently in the planning phase. This project will focus on implementing a practical decarbonisation solution in another partner country, with further details to be provided as development progresses.

St. Kitts and Nevis Pilot Project

St. Kitts and Nevis – Decarbonisation of St. Kitts and Nevis' Basseterre Port Using a Renewable Energy-Powered Microgrid

Overview

The St. Kitts and Nevis pilot project focuses on assessing the feasibility of integrating renewable wind powered microgrid system to support energy efficiency and emissions reduction within the Basseterre Deep Water Port. The project forms part of MTCC Caribbean's implementation of GMN Phase II and contributes to regional efforts to adopt low carbon technologies in port operations.

Project Objective

Primary Objective:

Demonstrate the technical and operational feasibility of a Renewable Energy-Powered Microgrid to reduce GHG emissions in St. Kitts and Nevis.
To achieve a 46% reduction in Annual GHG emissions associated with port energy consumption.
Secondary Objectives:
Evaluate the potential scalability of the technology.
Assess cost-effectiveness and return on investment.
Gather lessons learned for future large-scale deployment.

Project Scope

The scope of this pilot project encompasses the implementation of an innovative wind turbine microgrid technology at the Basseterre Port in St. Kitts and Nevis. This GHG-mitigating solution utilizes a patented storm-resilient, vertical axis wind turbine to generate renewable energy while reducing dependency on fossil fuels for port operations. The project spans 32 months and is divided into 6 key phases. Major project activities include manufacturing and testing of the technology components, installation, training and operation of the technology, and evaluating and reporting on the technology's performance.

Implementation Progress

In February 2026, wind monitoring equipment was successfully installed at two proposed locations:

Port Administration Building
Mornes Peak

Data collection is currently underway at both sites. Wind speed and related environmental data are being recorded over a six-month period to support the site selection process.

In parallel, the wind turbine is in the manufacturing phase. Installation is expected to begin in St. Kitts and Nevis by January 2027.

Project Status

Status: Ongoing
Phase: Data Collection and Equipment Manufacturing

Expected Outcomes

A 46% reduction in Annual GHG emissions associated with port energy consumption
Demonstration of renewable energy integration within a Caribbean Port
Evaluation on the technology's feasibility and effectiveness in the context of Caribbean climate and operational realities
Enhancement of local workforce green jobs and related industries through training and skill transition

Trinidad and Tobago Pilot Project

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Trinidad and Tobago – Decarbonisation of National Energy's Vessel, NEC Spirit, Utilising an Graphite-based Hull Coating.

Overview

The Trinidad and Tobago pilot project focuses on improving vessel energy efficiency through the application of graphene-based hull coating technology. This initiative aims to demonstrate how reducing hull resistance and biofouling can lead to measurable improvements in fuel efficiency and reductions in GHG emissions.

Project Objective

Primary Objective:

Demonstrate the technical and operational feasibility of a graphene-based antifouling hull coating to reduce GHG emissions associated with the operation of the NEC Spirit.
Monitor and quantify the GHG reductions achieved during the demonstration.
Secondary Objectives:
Evaluate the potential scalability of the technology.
Assess cost-effectiveness and return on investment.
Gather and disseminate lessons learned for future large-scale deployment.

Project Scope

This pilot project involves the application of a graphene-based hull coating solution on the NEC Spirit. This initiative, under the IMO-EU GMN Phase II Project, is designed to advance the uptake of energy-efficient maritime technologies in the Caribbean through practical demonstration and results-based learning.

The scope of work includes collaboration with MTCC Caribbean, IMO, National Energy, Maritime services Division of Trinidad and Tobago (MSD), Maritime Authority of Suriname (MAS) and GIT Coatings for the application of a graphene-based hull coating during the NEC Spirit's scheduled dry-docking. It also includes post-implementation monitoring and data collection to assess the coating's impact on fuel consumption and GHG emissions. This technology is expected to reduce hull friction, thereby achieving fuel savings and a targeted reduction of up to 10% in GHG emissions under normal operational conditions.

Beyond GHG emissions reduction, the project aims to document the scalability and replicability potential of the solution across similar vessel types in the Caribbean region. Post-application monitoring, data collection, and verification of performance outcomes

Implementation Progress

The hull coating has been successfully applied to the selected vessel. The vessel is currently operating under normal service conditions with the new coating.

The project is now in the data collection phase, during which performance data, fuel consumption, and operational parameters are being monitored and analysed.

Project Status

Status: Ongoing
Phase: Operational Monitoring and Data Collection

Expected Outcomes