Kenya Backs Global Green Shipping Transition Quest
By Harrison Kivisu and Mwakwaya Raymond
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Kenya is committed toward sustainable maritime practices in the quest to align itself with the net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050.
Mining, blue economy and Maritime affairs cabinet secretary Hassan Joho, through a speech read on his behalf by principal secretary Geoffrey Kaituko, confirmed government’s objective to leverage on innovation and emerging green technologies in the shipping sector.
“We must champion policies that support green shipping, including alternative fuels, energy-efficient vessel designs, and digital solutions to optimize maritime logistics.
By doing so, we can create green jobs, attract investments, and build resilient economies while addressing the pressing challenges of climate change,” he said.
However, the CS said the transition to green shipping required enhanced collaboration in technology transfer, capacity building, and access to climate financing to support developing nations.
“Our ports, shipping routes, and maritime industries are integral to global trade and must evolve in alignment with the net-zero emissions target by 2050.”
The initiatives are vital for reducing ship emissions while docked, significantly contributing to cleaner air quality in port cities like Mombasa that hosts the port.
Joho added that despite those efforts, the green transition of shipping in Africa was not without challenges.
“Limited access to financing remains a significant barrier, as many African countries struggle to mobilize the resources needed to invest in green infrastructure and technology.”
Additionally, he continued, the high cost of alternative fuels and the lack of regional production facilities posed constraints to their widespread adoption.
“Regulatory and institutional capacity gaps further complicate the implementation of international commitments, requiring a concerted effort to strengthen governance frameworks.”
On his remarks, the principal secretary Geoffrey Kaituko stated that the government was committed to ensuring ports and shipping routes adapt to green shipping practices, thus, pledged to extend partnerships with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) member states.
According to him the government is tasked in ensuring the reduction of green gas emissions in the shipping sector even as the sector presents itself as multi-million economic venture.
“We are here to explore innovative policies, investments, and technologies that will accelerate the transition to low-carbon and zero-emission shipping.”
Part of the commitment, he added, was to ensure seafarers were trained on use of less carbon emissions fuels, embrace new technologies in ship development as well as ensuring adherence to the set regulations.
“The transition can not be achieved in isolation,we call for collaboration in technology transfer in Africa to ensure shift to green shipping.”
IMO secretary general Arsenio Dominguez said there was need to address by ensuring that all parties take part in actualization of decarbonization plans in the maritime sector.
He asked member states to embark on sustained greening maritime practises to save the globe from emerging climate catastrophies.
The speakers, spoke during the regional workshop on the implementation of the 2023 IMO CHG strategy and the green transition of shipping in Africa workshop that brought together delegates from the IMO registered member states.
The transition seeks to ensure low sulphur fuels, reduction of carbon emissions, adoption of green technologies and ensure sustainable strategies in decarbonization in the quest to protect the environment.
For the workshop being held in Mombasa, serves as a vital platform to deliberate on the measures needed to implement the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy effectively.
The three days workshop seeks to build upon past discussions and commitments, ensuring that Africa remains at the forefront of the global discourse on maritime sustainability.
