The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union (EU) have launched the “Future-Ready Shipping in Africa” project, according to IMO.
The initiative is supported by a €5 million pledge from the European Union confirmed at a signing ceremony on 26 November. It is intended to assist the African maritime sector in transitioning toward sustainability, decarbonization, and digital modernization while also focusing on improving gender balance within the industry.
The project is built around four objectives. The first involves strengthening maritime governance through technical assistance and consultations to help African countries align national policies and laws with MARPOL Annex VI requirements and IMO climate goals, including updates to national legislation. The second covers advancing alternative fuel infrastructure by conducting feasibility studies and developing business cases for bunkering facilities for alternative fuels and green corridor projects in selected African ports. The third objective focuses on improving digitalization and Maritime Single Window implementation through readiness assessments and national roadmaps aimed at enhancing data interoperability, security, compliance, and environmental reporting. The fourth seeks to upgrade maritime education and training by improving curricula related to alternative fuels, biodiversity protection, and digital technologies, as well as offering training and scholarships to prepare a diverse workforce for new maritime skills.
Five Sub-Saharan African countries are expected to be selected via an open Expression of Interest process. Selection criteria include the presence of needs assessments, avoidance of duplication of efforts, commitment to maritime decarbonization, potential for alternative fuel production and trade, and specific institutional strengthening needs. The educational component will rely on cooperation with regional maritime universities to support long-term capacity-building.
The International Maritime Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for setting global standards for the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping. It operates through conventions, regulatory frameworks, and technical cooperation programs developed and adopted by its Member States.
