Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are often characterized by small economies, remoteness and vulnerability. National Action Plans (NAPs) to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are a crucial tool that can support enhancing the resilience, reliability, and affordability of maritime shipping services in these SIDS. The development of these plans can support countries in addressing the unique challenges to develop their economies while advancing global maritime decarbonization efforts.
Representatives from three SIDS - Belize, Cook Islands, and Solomon Islands - convened at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Headquarters (2-6 September) to share their experiences in developing NAPs. The roundtable, hosted by IMO's GreenVoyage2050 Programme, facilitated the exchange of valuable insights, challenges, and lessons learned from the NAP development process, offering participants a platform to learn from one another. IMO project staff from other IMO GHG projects, the Global MTCC Network and GHG-SMART, participated in the roundtable, enabling broader collaboration on maritime decarbonization efforts.
"The NAP for the Cook Islands will not only enhance maritime sustainability but also provide a roadmap for increasing shipping connectivity and affordability of goods and services." said Sandrina Thondoo, Director for Treaties, Multilaterals and Oceans for the Government of Cook Islands, reflecting on how the NAP will play a transformative role for maritime development and resilience of the country.
A key area of focus during the workshop was the role of data in NAP development. Participants emphasized that reliable, validated data, including information on emissions, fuel consumption, and vessel activities, is the backbone of any credible and effective action plan. Yet, data collection remains one of the most significant hurdles for SIDS. The discussions highlighted how some of the challenges around collecting, analysing, and managing data can be addressed, through the NAP, by improving the overall digital readiness of the country, and through collaboration with relevant government entities such as the national statistics office.
"The key is to not only gather data but to understand what data is needed and why it matters for informed decision-making," explained Allen Ofea, Principal Officer at the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority. "We must ensure that what we collect aligns with the goals of the NAP, and that our people are trained to make sense of it."
Participants stressed the importance of identifying the right stakeholders for NAP development, including shipping companies, energy providers, environmental groups, and local communities, early in the process, engaging them in meaningful dialogue and building relationships based on trust and mutual interest.
Kaylon Young, Acting Port Commissioner for the Belize Port Authority, said, "Consultation is key. Bringing stakeholders on board at the very start of the NAP development process helps ensure buy-in and makes the implementation much smoother. It is about creating partnerships that will endure beyond the initial phase of the plan."
"Belize, Cook Islands, and Solomon Islands are at very different stages of developing their NAPs. Although the three countries are SIDS, the challenges each faces varies greatly based on their size, resources, and readiness to collect and utilize data. This is precisely why workshops like these are so important, so that each nation can learn from the others and adapt their strategies accordingly" said Astrid Dispert, GreenVoyage2050 Manager at the IMO.
The feedback gathered during the workshop will directly influence an updated edition of the GreenVoyage2050 Guide "National Action Plan to Address GHG Emissions from Ships - From Decision to Implementation". The revised guide will provide new insights on addressing data gaps, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and overcoming resource limitations. In addition to the lessons shared, the revised NAP guide will also include more comprehensive guidance on accessing finance for maritime decarbonization projects. This will be coupled with the inclusion of pilot project ideas to help countries better implement their action plans.
The GreenVoyage2050 Programme will continue to provide technical assistance to developing countries seeking to develop a National Action Plan to address emissions from ships.
National Action Plans
IMO resolution MEPC.367(79), adopted in 2022, encourages Member States to develop and submit voluntary NAPs outlining respective policies and actions to address GHG emissions from ships. A comprehensive NAP outlines a country's strategies and actions to reduce ship GHG emissions. NAPs submitted to IMO can be accessed here.
The development of a NAP requires coordination across various ministries and stakeholders. The GreenVoyage2050 programme facilitates these dialogues to ensure effective NAP development and implementation. Participating countries receive technical assistance, including targeted capacity-building and training, the provision of expert personnel, assistance with data analysis, technical guidance, stakeholder dialogue facilitation, and administrative support.
GreenVoyage2050
GreenVoyage2050 is a major technical cooperation programme initiated by the IMO to assist developing countries in reducing GHG emissions from shipping, aligning with the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy. Phase I of GreenVoyage2050 (2020-2023) supported partnering countries in developing policy frameworks and pilot projects to reduce GHG emissions from ships. Phase II (2024-2030) continues and expand this support, leveraging substantial funding from donors including Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway.
